Skip to content

Wind alert for gusts up to 80 km/h issued for the Tri-Cities

Be prepared. Nearly 18,000 local homeowners were without heat overnight the last time a major wind storm hit the region.
Wind Getty
Leaves fly through the air after being lifted by a strong gust of wind.

Make sure your hat is securely fastened to your head and that your holiday decorations are not loose on the front yard.

Oh, and wear an extra layer if you're planning on walking through Lights at Lafarge at Town Centre Park tonight (Nov. 26).

Environment Canada has issued a wind alert for the Tri-Cities as gusts are expected to range between 70 and 80 km/h this evening.

The special weather statement was posted before 5 a.m. today for Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.

According to meteorologists, strong winds are predicted to push southwest across Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland as part of an "intense" cold front.

It may not last as long as anticipated, but it could cause some headaches for homeowners.

"The strongest winds will be the pre-frontal south or southwesterlies this evening except late this evening and after midnight for Chilliwack and Hope," Environment Canada's statement reads. 

"The winds are strong enough to cause some power outages over the region."

The national agency believes the wind alert should be lifted some time overnight into Sunday morning (Nov. 27).

BC Hydro encourages local residents to have an outage plan, as well as a 72-hour emergency kit prepared if electricity goes dark for a significant amount of time.

This includes a flashlight, battery-operated radio, food, water and a first-aid pack.

Nearly 18,000 Tri-Cities properties lost power following the last major wind storm earlier this month, when gusts also reached up to 80 km/h across the region.