Haida Gwaii is facing a wet and windy weekend as a strong Pacific frontal system moves across the north coast. Environment Canada has issued both a rainfall warning and a wind warning for the islands and inland sections of the north coast.
Heavy rain is expected from early Saturday through Sunday, with 50 to 80 millimetres forecast for some areas. The heaviest periods are expected Saturday and early Sunday, with showers easing Sunday afternoon as the system tracks inland. Forecasters warn that water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas, and landslides are possible on steep slopes, in deforested areas and on or below recent burn scars.
At the same time, strong southeasterly winds are forecast to develop late Saturday afternoon and persist into Sunday morning. Gusts could reach 110 kilometres per hour before easing later Sunday morning. Those winds may cause power outages, damage unsecured items and disrupt ferry and air travel.
Environment Canada advises residents to:
- Allow extra time and use caution if travelling.
- Watch for pooling water, debris and falling branches on roads.
- Avoid low-lying and unstable areas where slides are possible.
- Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles.
- Stay well clear of any downed or sagging power lines and report them to BC Hydro.
Rainfall warnings are issued when significant impacts are expected from heavy rain. Wind warnings are issued when damaging winds are likely.
Islanders are encouraged to keep monitoring updated forecasts and alerts from Environment Canada and local information sources throughout the weekend.
