Vancouver weather: Storm could bring ‘hurricane force’ winds this week [Video]

An Environment Canada meteorologist says a so-called “bomb cyclone” is expected to bring powerful winds to Vancouver Island and the British Columbia coast this week.

Brian Proctor says these systems are caused by a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure at the centre of a storm.

Environment Canada posted a special weather statement saying the “significant” storm will develop about 400 kilometres off the coast of Vancouver Island on Tuesday, bringing high winds and heavy rain to some coastal areas that afternoon.

The advisory says the weather system may cause downed trees, travel delays and power outages, adding that peak winds are expected for most areas Tuesday night, though the severe weather is likely to continue into Wednesday.

Proctor says the storm will likely have the most impact on the west side of Vancouver Island and the central coast.

Matt MacDonald, the lead forecaster for the BC Wildfire Service, says in …