Yellow wind warning issued for Peace and Fort Nelson regions, with possible 100km/h gusts forecast

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A yellow warning of 100km/h winds has been issued in B.C. Peace River district and Fort Nelson. 

According to Environment Canada, a low-pressure system is predicted to impact the region starting early Saturday morning, March 7th until early Sunday morning, March 8th. 

Areas that are likely to be impacted are Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Taylor, Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge and Fort Nelson near Sikanni Chief. 

The first low-pressure system on March 7th is expected to bring strong southwest winds with gusts of 70 to 90km/h. It is forecast to ease to 50 to 70km/h during the day. 

The second low-pressure system will start in the evening of March 7th, strengthening the winds with gusts of 80 to 100km/h. 

The alert said communities south of Dawson Creek may experience gusts exceeding 100km/h. 

By Sunday morning, March 8th, the winds are set to ease. 

Environment Canada has categorized this event as a yellow warning, which means hazardous weather that may cause damage, disruption or health impacts. 

These warnings are most common, moderate, localized and/or short term. 

The alerts predict local utility outages and high-sided vehicles to be pushed around by the wind. 

It advises the community to secure loose objects and prepare for disruptions to transportation and services. 

It also urges people to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada and to report severe weather conditions via email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #BCStorm.