Pounding rain, damaging winds battering parts of B.C. through Wednesday

VANCOUVER — Heavy rain and strong winds pummeled parts of British Columbia on Wednesday.

Environment Canada had issued warnings for much of Vancouver Island, Howe Sound, the Sunshine Coast and eastern and northern sections of Metro Vancouver.

The forecaster warned of strong winds that may cause damage for much of western Vancouver Island, Victoria, the Sunshine Coast and eastern Vancouver Island from Sayward to Nanoose Bay.

The warnings, which were lifted by late Wednesday, said winds could reach 100 kilometres per hour on the west side of Vancouver Island, while gusts between 70 and 90 kilometres per hour could be seen elsewhere.

Heavy rain warnings were still in effect along Howe Sound, on Vancouver’s North Shore, and northeast Metro Vancouver, including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge as of Wednesday afternoon.

Residents and businesses were warned to expect between 50 and 70 millimetres of rainfall through to Wednesday night that could cause flash flooding and water pooling on roads.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 19, 2025.