Power outages likely as ‘bomb cyclone’ forms off B.C. coast, meteorologist says [Video]

Forecasters are warning of hurricane-level wind gusts as a “bomb cyclone” forms off the coast of Vancouver Island late Tuesday.

A cyclone is the term used when masses of warm and cool air collide to create spiralling winds, with forecasters saying the “bomb” portion of the name refers to a rapid pressure drop of over 24 millibars (the unit used to measure air pressure) in 24 hours.

The bomb cyclone currently forming 400 kilometres west of Tofino, B.C., could see a pressure drop of 60 millibars over a 24-hour stretch in the centre of the storm — which forecasters called highly unusual for B.C.

Wind warnings issued Monday evening cover the entirety of B.C.’s coast, with Environment Canada saying easterly wind speeds of 90 km/h, gusting up to 120 km/h, will develop starting Tuesday afternoon in coastal areas.