High winds and snow predicted as ‘weather bomb’ passes Vancouver Island

Environment Canada issued a warning for high winds and snowy weather as a “weather bomb” storm passed over Vancouver Island Monday.

Explosive cyclogenesis, also known as a “weather bomb” or “bomb cyclone,” occurs when a rapidly deepening low-pressure system experiences a drop of at least 24 hPa (hectopascals) in 24 hours.

The centre of Monday’s “weather bomb” system was expected to pass north of Vancouver Island, while a fast-moving cold front crosses the south coast.

Environment Canada said late Monday morning that winds would shift direction from southeast to southwest from the morning to the afternoon, reaching speeds between 90 to 110 km/h over exposed coastal locations.

They also predicted between 2 to 5 centimetres of slushy wet snow may accumulate over inland parts of the island, including the Island Highway, Port Alberni, and Sutton Passes.

On the South Island, strong southeasterly winds with gusts over 90 km/h were expected along the Georgia and Haro Straits.

Speeds were expected to ease while remaining gusty into Tuesday afternoon, with a risk for flying debris and fallen trees knocking out power lines.

At 11:52 a.m., BC Hydro tweeted out telephone numbers to call to report downed lines and outages, as well as a link to information on how to prepare for a power outage.