Strong winds and stronger gusts came somewhat as a surprise for the Nanaimo region Tuesday evening, resulting in damage to multiple areas of the city. (Image Credit: Port of Nanaimo)

By Alex Rawnsley

average gusts

‘A little surprising:’ wind damage in Nanaimo not expected by meteorologists

Mar 25, 2026 | 12:07 PM

NANAIMO — An overnight windstorm was forecast to hit Vancouver Island, but the damage left behind in some areas surprised meteorologists.

Environment Canada data shows wind gusts peaked at just 57 kilometres per hour in Nanaimo and 52 kilometres per hour at Qualicum Beach Airport, speeds very typical for the region through the more active weather months.

However, meteorologist Colin Fong told NanaimoNewsNOW none of their data led to the conclusion a wind warning should be issued for this region.

“When we look at a gust of 57 anywhere, especially over Vancouver Island…those are kind of what you see with the run-of-the-mill winter storm. We wouldn’t normally issue any kinds of warnings when we see those kinds of numbers, so to see these kinds of impacts is a little surprising to us in terms of the amount of downed trees and outages.”

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A yellow alert for wind was issued Monday, March 23, for the Island’s west coast as well as the north, however it did not extend into Oceanside or Nanaimo.

Typically, the threshold for issuing a wind warning would involve wind gusts close to 90 kilometres per hour.

Gusts peaked at 72 kilometres per hour in the Comox Valley, while Campbell River recorded 52 kilometre per hour peaks.

Fong said it was less about the intensity of the storm and more about the path it took and the speed in which it moved.

“If the system is slow, it gives the winds time to ramp up and get stronger and stronger over time. But with the fast-moving system, as strong as it may be, it may not allow those winds to get really up to speed.”

Tuesday’s storm was due to track towards Bella Bella, Fong said, and was predicted to largely bypass the central east coast of the Island.

No weather alerts remain anywhere in B.C.

Forecasts call for light winds, cloudy skies, and a chance of showers over the coming days.

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