More strong winds hit parts of B.C.'s coast as record-high temperatures recorded

Waves pound Ogden Point breakwater during a storm in Victoria, Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

What has been a windy weekend for parts of B.C.’s coast continued Sunday as Environment Canada issued a fresh set of wind warnings.

The alerts cover Haida Gwaii, the north and central coast, northern and eastern Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

The federal weather agency said to expect gusts of up to 120 km/h in some areas.

Residents of Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands were also told to brace for strong, gusty winds, but a warning hasn’t been issued.

The blustery weather is forecast to ease Sunday afternoon and evening.

“High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break (and) may result in power outages,” Environment Canada wrote. “Motorists, especially in high profile vehicles, may expect hazardous driving conditions on highways subject to strong cross winds.”

The latest wind warnings come a day after winds exceeding 120 km/h pummeled B.C.'s central coast Saturday, while places such as Bella Bella and the Howe Sound north of Metro Vancouver reported gusts exceeding 90 km/h.

In addition to the wind, it was the warmest Dec. 21 on record in eight communities, according to preliminary data from Environment Canada.

Temperatures reached a balmy 15.2 C in West Vancouver Saturday, felling a record daily high of 13.5 C set in 1986.

Other places that saw temperatures in the low teens included Bella Bella, Port Hardy, Prince Rupert and Qualicum Beach.

With a file from The Canadian Press