British Columbia

Hurricane Oho's remnants bearing down on B.C.

The remnants of Hurricane Oho are bearing down on B.C.'s West Coast, bringing the first of two rounds of heavy rain and strong winds forecast for the region between now and Sunday.

Storm is 1st of 2 forecast to slam the West Coast over the Thanksgiving long weekend

Environment Canada is warning of potentially damaging winds, as the remnants of Hurricane Oho head toward the West Coast of B.C. (GOOES -WEST/Environment Canada)

The remnants of Hurricane Oho are bearing down on B.C.'s West Coast this weekend, bringing the first of two rounds of heavy rain and potentially damaging winds, Environment Canada says in a special weather statement.

The system is forecast to bring southeasterly winds of 70 to 110 km/h to Haida Gwaii, B.C.'s Central Coast, and North Vancouver Island overnight Thursday as it slides up the West Coast toward Alaska.

Environment Canada is warning of possible damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, and says 50 to 70 millimetres of rain can be expected.

"Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage…. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Be prepared for winter conditions at higher elevations."

Winds will ease off late Friday morning as the low moves quickly north of the region before a second storm moves across the region.

"In the wake of this storm a strong westerly flow will bring another disturbance to the Central Coast Saturday morning with yet another storm impacting the North Coast on Sunday," said the special weather statement issued on Thursday morning.

"Computer models are estimating rainfall accumulations in the 100- to 200-mm range for the above mentioned areas from Friday through Sunday night."

Southern parts of the province are forecast to get rain until later next week.