Tuesday November 19, 2024 | VICTORIA, BC [Posted at 5:27 pm]
Posted by Island Social Trends
People are encouraged to prepare for strong winds tonight in the coastal regions of British Columbia, as well as in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and parts of the Interior.
Stormy weather and strong winds have started today Tuesday Nov. 19 and are expected to extend through to tomorrow, Wednesday Nov. 20, 2024.
Winds will be easterly gusting to 90-100 km/h says Environment Canada (Victoria area warning).
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued wind warnings and special weather statements due to a significant fall storm that will bring southeasterly winds through the afternoon on Tuesday, with peak wind speeds expected that evening for most coastal regions.
For up-to-date weather forecasts and alerts, visit: https://www.weather.gc.ca
Windchill:
The wind chill can reach 0°C tonight due to the strong winds, according to some TV weather reports.
Working with communities:
The Province says it continues to monitor conditions closely and work directly with communities to support preparedness and response actions.
The Province is taking a number of actions to keep people and communities safe in the event of flooding at all times of the year, including:
Prepare for Power Outages:
Prepare for a possible power outage or other disruption to infrastructure by creating a household emergency kit with enough non-perishable food, water and supplies to support your household for a week. Store it in an accessible location that everyone knows about.
Assemble an individual grab-and-go bag for each member of the household with the essentials they will need if asked to evacuate.
If your lights go out, check the BC HYDRO OUTAGE LIST to see whether BC Hydro is already aware of the outage.
As of 5:05 pm this evening, there are 3,418 BC Hydro customers (residential and commercial) without power in Duncan, Metchosin, Sooke and west of Sooke.
Storm surge or coastal flooding:
During a storm surge or coastal flooding, people should:
- Move away from the shoreline if you see signs of coastal flooding.
- Do not drive through flood waters.
- Do not go out on the water, as storm surges can generate strong currents.
- Do not assume it’s safe to go on the water or to the shoreline if the water recedes.
- Evacuate if instructed to do so by local authorities.
Do not drive through flood water:
Extensive water pooling on roads can be expected. Never attempt to drive or walk in flood water. Approximately 15 cm (six inches) of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, and 61 cm (two feet) of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks.
Driving safety:
Crashes can be prevented when motorists are prepared. Some helpful tips for travelling in wet weather and winter driving conditions:
- * Research the current road conditions before you leave at DriveBC’s website. More than 1,000 highway webcam views are available at more than 450 locations throughout the province.
- * Check the weather forecast and consider postponing travel. If travel is necessary, wait until conditions improve.
- * Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement while driving. Bring warm clothing, such as winter boots, coat, gloves and hat, in case you need to get out of the vehicle.
- * Have an emergency plan. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with a full tank of fuel, a windshield scraper and snow brush, food and water, a first-aid kit and other emergency supplies.
- * Do not panic if you get stuck or stranded. Stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth.
- * If you have a cellphone, call for roadside assistance. For emergencies, call 911.
===== RELATED:
NEWS SECTIONS: VANCOUVER ISLAND
===== GOVERNMENT LINKS:
- Flood-risk information and active evacuation alerts and orders can be found at @EmergencyInfoBC on X (formerly Twitter), or: https://www.EmergencyInfoBC.ca
- River Forecast Centre: https://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/
- Environment and Climate Change Canada for up-to-date forecasts and alerts: http://www.weather.gc.ca (https://www.weather.gc.ca)
- PreparedBC Flood Preparedness Guide: https://www.preparedbc.ca/floods
- For tips about how to create an evacuation plan and prepare grab-and-go bags, visit: https://preparedbc.ca/EmergencyReady
- To pre-register with Emergency Support Services, visit: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
- Windstorms can affect travel time and flood waters can quickly wash out roads and bridges. Be prepared and plan an alternative route. For the latest road conditions, visit: https://www.drivebc.ca