Environment Canada calls for strong winds gusting up to 90 km/h in Metro Vancouver today.
In a special weather statement, the federal weather department states that a rapidly deepening area of low-pressure passing passed north of Vancouver Island this morning while a fast-moving cold crossed the south coast.
"In advance of the cold front, strong sustained southeasterly winds are expected for coastal areas in proximity to the Strait of Georgia and Haro Strait," explains the statement.
"As the front races across the area, widespread and powerful gusty southerly winds will occur. Gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible."
While winds are expected to ease considerably following the passage of the cold front, they will remain gusty into this afternoon.
The wind warning is in effect for:
- Metro Vancouver - central including the City of Vancouver Burnaby and New Westminster
- Metro Vancouver - North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver
- Metro Vancouver - northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge
- Metro Vancouver - southeast including Surrey and Langley
- Metro Vancouver - southwest including Richmond and Delta
High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break.
BC Hydro has tweeted numerous times, noting that the region is seeing the impacts of the B.C. storm. The company adds that "High wind and rain can cause trees and branches to knock down power lines and damage poles. If you see a downed or damaged power line or pole, stay back 10 metres and dial 9-1-1"
