This weekend is forecast to end dramatically.
Lightning strikes have already been detected in a frontal system headed towards Metro Vancouver, southern Vancouver Island, and the Fraser Valley, according to Environment Canada meteorologist Louis Kohanyi. It's expected to arrive in Metro Vancouver this afternoon, Sunday, Feb. 23.
"I'm expecting the rain to begin early this afternoon," he tells V.I.A. "Later this afternoon is when we have the risk of a thunderstorm."
Currently, there's a 60 per cent chance of a thunderstorm for the region, he adds.
"This system is going to be quite unsettled," Kohanyi says.
Heavy rain is expected as part of the thunderstorm. In some areas, up to 20 mm of rain could fall between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning.
Powerful wind gusts
Perhaps the most disruptive will be the wind.
In some areas between Vancouver Island and the Fraser Valley, gusts up to 80 km/h are expected, potentially knocking out power to some neighbourhoods.
The worst of the wind is expected between 6 p.m. and midnight in eastern parts of Metro Vancouver, including Surrey and Langley, along with the Fraser Valley. Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands may also see gusts up to 80 km/h.
A special weather statement has been issued by Environment Canada for Greater Victoria, the Southern Gulf Islands, Surrey, Langley, and the Fraser Valley.
"Loose objects could be tossed by the wind and could cause injury or damage. High winds could result in power outages and fallen tree branches," warns Environment Canada.
Due to the trajectory of the frontal system bringing the stormy weather, the city of Vancouver will likely only see gusts of up to 50 km/h. Areas to the south, like Richmond, are predicted to experience winds gusting to 60 km/h.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
