Image: File photo / Scott Tordoff/ Contributed to CFJC Today

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Weather Statement

Storm expected to skim past Fraser Valley Saturday night

Aug 17, 2024 | 4:48 PM

VANCOUVER — Environment Canada is tracking a major storm that is bearing down on parts of Vancouver Island and B.C.’s Lower Mainland. It has issued a Special Weather Statement warning of heavy downpours and strong winds.

The agency is advising residents to prepare for strong winds, thunderstorms with heavy downpours, and gusty conditions from Saturday evening through Sunday morning. The national weather service says an upper-level disturbance has been moving up the Oregon and Washington coasts and is expected to cross into B.C.’s south coast.

Forecasters anticipate strong southerly winds preceding thunderstorm activity late in the evening. Thunderstorms are expected to follow, bringing periods of heavy showers and the potential for gusty winds after midnight.

The weather service warns that winds may be strong enough to cause tree branches to break, which could lead to localized power outages. Driving may also be hazardous due to reduced visibility during heavy downpours.

While the eastern edge of the affected area is Langley, residents throughout the Fraser Valley, including Abbotsford and Chilliwack, should expect gusty winds and showers overnight.

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The storm is expected to pass through the region by late Sunday morning.