VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Winds gusting up to 70 km/h are expected to slam into the South Coast tonight as a pair of airstreams converge over the region.

NEWS 1130 Meteorologist Russ Lacate explains an unseasonably strong westerly wind is funneling in through the Juan de Fuca Strait just as a northwest gale develops over the Straight of Georgia.

This wind “could do some damage around the Lower Mainland into this evening before spreading across the BC southern interior, and enhancing the flood risk along the shoreline of Lake Okanagan later tonight,” he says.

Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for all of Metro Vancouver, including the North Shore.

BC Hydro has placed about 100 workers on standby to deal with the impending power outages.

“We’re ready to restore the power quickly and safely should the lights go out,” says Mora Scott with the power company.

Scott is reminding people that if they come across a power line brought down by a falling tree branch, they should stay at least 10 meters back and call 911.