Nov. 13 update: Latest details on wind warnings in effect for B.C.'s South Coast available here.
Environment Canada is warning that B.C.’s south coast is facing “a significant risk of damaging winds” as a low pressure system moves into the region.
The agency issued a special weather statement Sunday morning, which was updated to a warning by the afternoon.
“Strong winds that may cause damage are expected or occurring,” the agency said in the warning. “Exposed coastal sections will experience southerly winds of 70 to 80 km/h beginning late Monday morning.”
“For Metro Vancouver, especially along the water’s edge—places like Tsawwassen and South Surrey and along Georgia Strait—that’s where the strongest will occur,” said meteorologist Greg Pearce.
According the Environment Canada, these wind speeds can toss loose objects or cause tree branches to come down.
The warning covers Metro Vancouver, Howe Sound and the Central Coast, as well as the majority of Vancouver Island, where the low is expected to make landfall Monday afternoon.
BC Hydro said it is preparing to deal with any damage or power outages the storm might cause.
“In storms like this, we typically do see trees and branches come down on our lines, so our crews are ready to outages related to that kind of damage,” said spokesperson Mora Scott. “If the storm does materialize and winds are quite strong, our crews could be really busy.”
Scott also urged residents to be prepared with an emergency kit containing a flashlight, cellphone, food water and a first aid kit.
“We never know how much damage a storm might do our how long a power outage might last. That’s why we always encourage people to be prepared,” she said.
The wind warnings come amid significant rainfall in the region. The City of Vancouver saw about 20 millimetres of rain Sunday and is expected to experience another 15 to 25 millimetres on Monday.
The wet weather is already causing traffic headaches in the region after a collision involving a bus caused delays on Highway 99 in Surrey.
The crash occurred at about 3:50 p.m. on Sunday between King George Boulevard and Highway 91.
Officials say a northbound pickup truck pulling a recreational vehicle struck a bus travelling in the HOV lane, sending it into a ditch on the side of the highway.
Multiple ambulances were dispatched in response to the crash, but none of the 11 people on the bus were injured.
Officials are blaming the collision on the rain, saying the truck may have hydroplaned when it sideswiped the bus.
Highway 99 is down to one lane around the scene of the crash. The roadway is expected to reopen at around 7 p.m.
The latest weather information is available on the Environment Canada website.
Residents can also report outage or damage to power lines at 1-800-BCHYDRO (224-9376).
With files from CTV Vancouver’s Sarah MacDonald
