Wind warning for parts of Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley

LOWER MAINLAND (NEWS 1130) – The rainfall warning has been lifted for parts of Metro Vancouver and the Sea to Sky region.

But a wind warning remains in effect for parts of Metro Vancouver, including Surrey, Langley, Richmond, and Delta. A warning is also in place for parts of the Fraser Valley including Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Hope.

There have been tens of thousands of power outages today, due to downed wires from the storm.

Environment Canada says an intense cold front crosses the South Coast this morning. “As the front passes, strong southeast winds will shift abruptly to westerly winds. The westerlies will be strong and gusty with peak gusts as high as 90 km/h. The westerly winds will gradually abate early this afternoon.”

“Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break,” it adds.

Meanwhile, several other parts of Metro Vancouver and the Sea to Sky region up to Squamish are under a special weather statement, thanks to two storms.

The first moves through this morning; the next arrives early tomorrow. The storms could see wind gusts up to 80 to 90 km/h and heavy rain.

The River Forecast Centre has issued high stream flow advisories for the south and central coasts including the North Shore Mountains, Howe Sound, Sunshine Coast, Kingcome River and Bella Coola River.

“River levels are expected to rise rapidly,. but no major flooding is expected and maybe some minor flooding in low lying areas is possible,” Hydrologist Jonathan Boyd said, adding the big unknown is whether the dry ground will be able to handle the sudden influx of water.

“Because this is the first major storm system to roll through this fall, there will be probably some leaves and debris associated with that,”

He encourages people to clean their gutters clear away leaves and debris from city storm drains to avoid localized flooding.