Special weather statement: Windstorm arriving on B.C. south coast Thursday

A strong low-pressure system is moving into the B.C. south coast on Thursday. The modest amount of rain coming along with the storm won’t be an issue, but the wind could be.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Metro Vancouver spanning from the North Shore to Surrey, Delta and Langley in the south because of potentially damaging strong winds.

The system over the Pacific Ocean is headed north and should reach the B.C. south coast Thursday evening and last till roughly midnight.

Winds up to 70 to 80 kilometres an hour are predicted near the Strait of Georgia, easing overnight, said the weather agency in the statement. Areas near the water will see the strongest winds.

“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur,” warned Environment Canada. “High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break.”