Fall storm could bring 'hurricane force' winds to B.C., forecasters say

Meteorology Canada has warned that a strong storm that will reach the coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island this week could bring strong winds. Matt MacDonald, BC Fire Service's lead forecaster, says models are predicting a high-speed storm will develop Tuesday night, known as an "explosive vortex" or "bomb cyclone."

These types of storms are caused by a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure in the center of a storm system, which results in heavy rain and strong winds. McDonald's said in a social media post that British Columbia's coast could experience hurricane-force winds, gusting over 118 kilometers per hour, and waves as high as 9 meters on the Washington and Oregon coasts.

Canadian Meteorology also issued a special statement and said that this storm will form on the coast of Vancouver Island on Tuesday night, and from the afternoon of the same day, strong winds and heavy rains will begin in some areas. The weather system may cause downed trees, travel delays and power outages, and winds are expected to peak in most areas Tuesday night, though the severe weather is likely to continue into Wednesday.

British Columbia has experienced severe fall storms before, including an atmospheric river that caused flash flooding in the Metro Vancouver area in mid-October. Also, a thunderstorm overnight and early Monday caused hail in some areas of Metro Vancouver.

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