The bomb cyclone forecast to hit B.C.’s coast Tuesday through Wednesday could bring gusty winds and flooded basements, fallen power lines and potential damage to structures, experts tell Canadian Underwriter.
But even if it’s similar to the bomb cyclone that slammed Canada’s pacific northwest in October 2021, it probably won’t trigger a Cat.
Bomb cyclones are characterized by strong upward jet streams and sharp temperature differences that combine to create an intense low-pressure system.
“A bomb cyclone is different from other storms because the dynamics within a rapidly intensifying storm can create ripping winds and extreme precipitation rates,” The Weather Network says in its forecast.
The industry can expect strong winds that intensify through the night, reaching 90-100km/h through coastal Vancouver Island and the Strait of Georgia, and 50-70km/h across the Lower Mainland, the network adds.
Rainfall could exceed 100 mm near Tofino and western Vancouver Island, with 10-30 mm of rain for most other regions along the South Coast. Some areas could see nearly 100 cm of snow.
Laura Twidle, president and CEO at Catastrophe Indices & Quantification Inc. (CatIQ), says there is a chance last week’s wind event in B.C. may have weakened trees and branches. And the bomb cyclone could bring them down onto powerlines, buildings and vehicles.
The industry may also have to cope with fallout from storm surge flooding, says The Weather Network. “Some coastal inundation is possible Wednesday morning around communities like Victoria and Campbell River.
Ferry delays and cancellations, and widespread power outages are possible. And drivers may see hazardous conditions on windy stretches of highway.
Environment Canada issued warnings for parts of coastal B.C., including east, south and west Vancouver Island, Greater Victoria, the Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast and the coastal Mainland.
“Gusty winds can damage soft shelters, tents and awnings at outdoor events. High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches,” Environment Canada writes in its weather warning.
But the determining factor for this bomb cyclone is that the worst of it is forecast to hit offshore. But British Columbians are still advised to brace for its impacts.
And that’s exactly what claims adjusters are doing, too.
“We are closely monitoring media and weather advisories for updates,” Janak Lally, assistant vice president, Lower Mainland & B.C. Interior for ClaimsPro, tells Canadian Underwriter in a statement.
“Like most water and wind related storms, we anticipate flooding, possible sewer backup, as well as roof or siding damage.”
Lally says they’re prepared to manage a possible influx of claims and that his firm’s “local B.C. adjuster teams are ready and available on standby to respond immediately to those affected.”
This bomb cyclone shares similarities to the October 2021 event. That storm set a low-pressure system record, and brought with it damaging winds, major ocean swell, extreme rainfall, mudslides and flooding.
Power was cut to more than 16,000 BC Hydro customers. The storm also caused property damage, including damage to a notable cargo vessel.
But 2021’s bomb cyclone never triggered a Cat (characterized by insured losses of $30 million or more across the industry), Twidle tells CU.
Feature image by iStock.com/brytta
