As Pacific front approaches, Special Weather Statement issued for North Coast

There's much in the way of environmental energy to the west of the
North Coast and Haida Gwaii today, with Environment Canada
issuing a Special Weather Statement this morning

A strong Pacific front is forming to the west and the winds are set to pick up from the north as Environment Canada issues a Special Weather Statement for the North Coast this morning, with the prospect of an upgrade later in the day.

The statement issued at 5:30 AM observes the nature of the conditions ahead for the region:

Northeast outflow winds of 80 km/h over the North Coast mainland inlets will develop this afternoon. Winds will then shift to southeast 60 to 80 km/h early Saturday morning over most of the North Coast including Prince Rupert. 

The approaching system will also bring rain to the North Coast, with 15 mm expected today, 10 mm tonight and a further 15 mm though Saturday. The long range forecast falls for periods of rain to continue from Sunday through next week.

There's potential for the southeast winds to be even stronger on Saturday and further warnings may be issued later today.

For Haida Gwaii the weather system has resulted in a Wind Warning to be issued, with winds of up to 110 km/h anticipated by late this evening

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The Marine conditions will also prove challenging today and through the weekend, with a STORM WARNING issued for Hecate Strait earlier this morning.

Winds will be from the east at 15 knots building to 45 knots and shifting to the south by this evening. By midnight they will increase up to 60 knots overnight, diminishing to 45 knots by Saturday morning, further decreasing to 35 knots by the evening.

Seas will build to 6 metres at the peak of the system on Saturday morning.

Environment Canada will update its forecasts later in the day with an upgrade to the weather warning status expected sometime today.

You can find any further updates from the Public Alerts section of the Environment Canada website.

We will update our notes above as conditions warrant

For a look at past extreme weather notes see our archive page here.

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