Holiday celebrations this week have been severely impacted as multiple back-to-back systems make their rounds to the coast.
This week’s weather has been on theme for the season, as B.C.’s coast has been battered by multiple significant storms that have caused widespread power outages and deadly landslides.
SEE ALSO: British Columbia’s endless storm chaos: what’s fuelling it?
The first storm swept into the province on Tuesday, with powerful winds, soaking rains, and heavy alpine snow. Another system came hot on its heels, just in time for Christmas on Wednesday, bringing more potent wind gusts and power outages.
There will be no reprieve from the stormy weather as yet another system takes aim at the South Coast on Thursday.
Be sure to check local weather alerts and highway conditions before heading out to visit loved ones as travel is likely to be affected considerably.
Another sneaky low hits Boxing Day
Coastal B.C. just can’t seem to catch a break from active weather as another low is set to arrive predawn on Boxing Day. Rainy and breezy strait conditions will continue through Thursday.
When the low approaches the coast, the gusty southeast winds will abruptly shift to the southwest as the front crosses the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Powerful westerly winds with gusts of up to 80 km/h are possible for the western beaches of the Lower Mainland as well as the low moves inland.
DON’T MISS: Which of these Christmas weather extremes would you rather endure?
Forecasters warn of 100-200+ mm of rain for west Vancouver Island and 50-75+ mm for the Lower Mainland by the time both Wednesday and Thursday’s events are over. The risk of localized flooding will also be increased as the ground remains sopping from previous storms.
Strong winds gusting to 60-90 km/h across the straits and up to 90-100 km/h on west Vancouver Island will further complicate the situation, threatening power outages, ferry disruptions, and dangerous 4+ metre waves.
Travel through the Interior will continue to be challenging and, at times, dangerous through Thursday.
Freezing levels have dropped considerably, allowing for flurries to possibly fall at lower elevations. The snow will also impact travel along the highway passes, especially the Coquihalla Highway and Allison Pass.
Coastal B.C. will catch a break Friday, but not for too long as another low-pressure system swings ashore later Friday evening, lingering through much of Saturday. Travel through the Interior will continue to be challenging, and at some points during peak storm conditions, dangerous.
We are looking at 50 cm of snow for the Coquihalla Pass through Saturday as well as another 50 mm of rainfall for much of Metro Vancouver. Winds won’t be much of a concern through the weekend as wind gusts peak at 40-60 km/h.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather in B.C.