Strong winds are expected through the Nanaimo region beginning Thursday, Jan. 5, the first of a few rain and wind storms due for the region over the coming weeks. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

winter storm

Strong gusts expected as wind warning issued for Nanaimo

Jan 5, 2023 | 11:19 AM

NANAIMO — Batten down the hatches, a series of winter rain and wind storms are circling off the coast.

Environment Canada issued a wind warning late Wednesday, Jan. 4, advising of strong winds with gusts between 70 and 90 kilometres per hour beginning late afternoon on Thursday.

“A low-pressure system offshore will continue moving northward (Thursday),” the warning read. “Ahead of the low, strong southeast winds of 70 to 90 kilometres per hour will develop late this afternoon near Haro Strait and exposed coastal sections of the Strait of Georgia.

Environment Canada said roof shingles or tree branches could become dislodged with the wind gusts.

Ted Olynyk, a spokesperson from BC Hydro, said their crews are getting set for what could be a long Thursday night.

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“We’re prepared for it, crews have been advised. We had some wind last night in Port Alberni and some wind (Thursday) morning on the west coast and we know it’s going to hit later.”

He urged all BC Hydro customers to ensure they’re prepared to be without service in the event of damage to the system.

Emergency kits for up to 72 hours are all but essential this time of year.

“Make sure you’ve got what it takes to be on your own without electricity for 72 hours – extra batteries, water, whatever you’d need for that period of time.”

While this initial blast is expected to be short-lived, with winds easing Thursday night, it’s the first in a parade of storms due in the region over the coming days.

Systems brewing in the Pacific are currently forecast to make landfall at points over the next week with periods of rain and wind predicted.

Temperatures comfortably above freezing will dampen hopes for additional snowfalls in the Nanaimo region.

A parade of storms are lining up in the Pacific, and are due to hit parts of Vancouver Island with some regularity over the coming week. (Windy)

— with files from 97.3 The Eagle

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