11 Dec 2014 - HIGH WIND WATCH SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND, METRO VANCOUVER - LATE TODAY A strong 976 mb low moving northward off the Oregon coast will approach the lower south coast later today. The track of this system is questionable, however it is expected to fill somewhat enroute and make landfall, crossing the tip of the western Olympic Peninsula, on southern Vancouver Island as a 983 mb low centre after sunset. This last in a series of major storms will produce less precipitation than previous systems with highest rainfall occurring in the north shore mountains of the lower mainland. Winds will begin to rise through the afternoon producing Gale to Storm Force winds around southern Vancouver Island and into the southern basin of Georgia Strait late today and overnight. A risk of thunderstorms off the west coast Vancouver Island and into west Juan de Fuca Straits exists as the low centre moves into the BC interior overnight. A trough will follow this system on Friday bringing scattered showers to the south coast and some clearing breaks ending the train of storms of the past week. A ridge will form over the area on Saturday bringing dry conditions and cooler temperatures for the weekend as it moves east. Sustained wind speeds in knots (km/h in brackets). Note: Forecast guidance relied on 4 independent models and may disagree with EnvCan product. - Southwest Coast Vancouver Island winds strong E rising to E Gale Force to 40 (74) this afternoon then rising to SE Storm Force to 50 (93) tonight. Winds shifting to W Gale Force to 35 (65) overnight. Seas to 6 meters. Rain changing to showers overnight. - Tatoosh/Carmanah to Port Renfrew winds strong E rising to E Gale Force to 40 (74) tonight with Storm Force gusts. Winds shifting to strong SW just before midnight then to strong W overnight. Seas to 5 meters in exposed sections. Rain beginning late this afternoon changing to showers overnight. - Juan de Fuca Strait winds moderate E becoming strong this afternoon. Winds rising to S Gale Force to 35 (65) overnight. Rain beginning this evening changing to showers overnight. - Victoria Waterfront / Constance Bank winds moderate SE veering to strong E this afternoon backing through SE to become S Gale Force to 40 (74 kmh) after midnight with Storm Force gusts. Winds easing early Friday morning. Rain changing to showers overnight. - Haro Strait winds light to moderate SE veering to strong E this afternoon backing through SE to become S Gale Force to 40 (74 kmh) after midnight with Storm Force gusts. Winds easing to strong SW on Friday morning. Rain changing to showers overnight. - Southern Basin Georgia Strait winds moderate to strong E veering SE this evening then rising to S Gale Force to 40 (74) overnight with possible Storm Force gusts. Winds easing to strong SW early Friday morning. Rain changing to showers overnight. - All other areas are well below warning levels. High tides, river runoff and winds are creating a risk of storm surges in the Gulf Islands and lower mainland coast this morning. Daily wisdom - Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. - Mark Twain
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 15:46:57 +0000