Watches

4:43 PM PDT Wednesday 23 September 2020

Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for:

Greater Victoria

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.



A broad band of heavy showers with embedded thunderstorms is crossing Vancouver Island late this afternoon. Thunderstorms within the band produced rainfall rates as high as 20-30 mm/hr earlier this afternoon.



Communities within the affected regions may see heavy downpours of 20 to 30 mm/hr until early this evening.

Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!



Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

Statements

12:09 PM PDT Wednesday 23 September 2020

Special weather statement in effect for:

Greater Victoria

Today's heavy rainfall is the first storm in a week-long series that brings a major pattern change to the province of BC, in particular the south coast. Periods of rain, heavy at times, will continue through Saturday. Embedded thunderstorms and gusty winds are possible.



This sudden change to a prolonged wet pattern combined with local gusty winds and trees shedding their leaves may lead to localized flooding. Strong winds may also lead to power outages.



Late this week the pattern is intensified once again by a strong low pressure system crossing Vancouver Island Thursday night or Friday. Strong winds, and where they materialize, will depend on the exact storm track. Stay tuned to your local forecast throughout the week as we follow the evolution of this feature.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.