A significant fall storm is impacting Vancouver Island. Downed power lines, debris and fallen trees have resulted in multiple highway closures on the island.

The arrival of a significant storm to the south coast of British Columbia is a reminder to drivers that weather conditions can change quickly at this time of year, and to be prepared for the onset of winter road conditions.

At 1:55 p.m. (Pacific time) on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, a test of the National Public Alerting System will occur to improve public safety in the event of an emergency.

People living in the coastal regions of British Columbia, as well as in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and parts of the Interior, can expect stormy weather and strong winds starting Tuesday, Nov. 19 and extending through Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024.

Members of the public are invited to share messages of sympathy in memory of John Horgan, British Columbia’s 36th premier.

An individual in British Columbia has tested presumptive positive for avian influenza (also known as bird flu) caused by the H5 influenza virus, the first detection of avian influenza due to the H5 virus in a person in B.C.