Remains of tropical storm to batter B.C. coast with high winds and heavy rain

VANCOUVER – Environment Canada is once again warning of blustery winds and heavy rainfall for the B.C. coast as the remnants of a tropical storm approaches.

The agency says the remains of tropical storm Ana will move towards B.C.’s central coast, Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and Metro Vancouver late Monday.

It says those living in exposed coastal areas could see southeast winds of up to 90 kilometres an hour, though the gusts are expected to ease by Tuesday morning.

The storm system is also expected to dump between 50 and 75 millimetres of rain on Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

Severe weather battered B.C.’s south coast last week, cutting power to 80,000 BC Hydro customers at one point.

The Crown agency is advising people to equip themselves with flashlights, batteries, first aid kits and food and water.