Strong winds and potential for a thundershower start the week in weather for Greater Victoria as the first fall storm descends on the province.
Environment Canada warned of winds starting late Sunday (Sept. 24) for Greater Victoria, Southern Gulf Islands and east Vancouver Island.
With the first wind storm of autumn and trees in full foliage, heavy tree branches are more prone to break in strong winds, the government weather agency warned in an alert. That could lead to more power outages than potential wind storms of similar wind speeds later in the season.
A strong Pacific weather system is throwing strong southeast winds near 70 km/h, gusting to 90 near the water. Winds are expected to ease to 40 km/h gusting to 70 near midday into the afternoon Monday.
Monday could also see a thunderstorm in the early evening.
BC Ferries blames the weather for a handful of sailings cancelled between Greater Victoria and the Lower Mainland on the morning of Sept. 25.
The Queen of New Westminster sailings at 8 a.m. and noon out of Tsawwassen and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. from Swartz Bay are cancelled. Strong winds and fog are cited as concerns.
As of 8:30 a.m., trips on the Spirit of British Columbia and the Spirit of Vancouver Island were slated to sail.
With a handful of small outages reported throughout the region by early Monday, BC Hydro reminded residents to monitor alerts and forecasts and report
Those who lose power can check the map at bchydro.com to see if it’s a known outage. If not, report by calling 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376) or online.
Anyone who sees a downed power line, or one hanging too low, damaged or in contact with another object, stay back at least 10 metres and report it to 911. Never touch or try to move a downed line.
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