'Bomb cyclone' set to bring strong winds to B.C. coast, forecaster says

A special weather statement is in effect for much of B.C.'s coast as high winds are expected to hit the region Tuesday evening.

The wind event, known as a "bomb cyclone," is expected to last into Wednesday morning.

Such storms are caused by a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure at the centre of a storm system that results in heavy rain and high winds.

"It is a rather strong low-pressure system that's approaching the coast for Tuesday," said Ross Macdonald, meteorologist with Environment Canada.

The centre of the storm will manifest about 400 kilometreswest of Tofino, B.C., Macdonald said, with gustson the west coast of Vancouver Island expected to reachup to 100 km/h, and up to 90 km/h inthe Victoria area.

"Although it is quite strong and quite a unique feature in that sense, the impact will actually be what I would say is a typical November windstorm for us here in the South Coast and Vancouver Island," he said not dissimilar to the windstorm that hit the regionlast Tuesday.

He saidin Metro Vancouver, areas close to the water will likely be more windy.

The special weather statement warns that wind mightknock down trees or cause power outages and travel delays. It is advising people to secure loose outdoor objects.

B.C. has been hit by a series of powerful fall storms this fall, including an atmospheric river that caused flash flooding in MetroVancouverin mid-October.

A lightning storm overnight Sunday into Monday covered parts of MetroVancouverin hail.

Coquihalla snowfall

Environment Canada is also warning drivers of hazardous winter conditions on the CoquihallaHighway on Monday morning.

A snowfall warning is in place for the stretch of highway between Hope and Merritt.

An additional 5-10 centimetres of snow is expected to fall between Monday morning and noon, anddrivers are being warned that visibility might be reduced.