Metro Vancouver tornado watch lifted, stay indoors if reactivated
Posted November 6, 2021 6:44 pm.
Last Updated November 6, 2021 11:25 pm.
A tornado warning was issued and then lifted in Metro Vancouver on Saturday. But should it be reactivated, it’s best to stay home.
According the alert, there was a possibility of funnel clouds and that possibly brief, weak tornadoes could develop. The alert came after a northbound waterspout was spotted moving west of YVR Airport.
— Roel D (@roeldsouza) November 7, 2021
CityNews 1130 Meteorologist Michael Kuss says the watch was posted for northern parts of Metro Vancouver.
“We’re really concerned about Howe Sound, West Vancouver, but it also includes North Vancouver as well. A waterspout was spotted just to the west of YVR over the water — so a tornado, basically, over the water turning towards Howe Sound,” Kuss said.
“There’s lots of active weather in the area, so aside from this waterspout, if it makes landfall it would be a pretty weak tornado but still enough to do some relatively serious wind damage and that always means potentials for shingles and branches down and things that could potentially harm individuals.”
Update: Environment Canada has just ended the Tornado watch for the North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver. We just spoke w/@Kusswx who says active weather will continue into the evening and it’s possible the watch can be re-activated. Details on @CityNewsVAN. https://t.co/AY5oSIMJpL
— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) November 7, 2021
The report advises people to be prepared for severe weather and take cover immediately if a tornado does form. There has also been lightning and strong, gusty winds.
“Lots of rising air, thunderstorms, showers popping up around the entire South Coast,” Kuss said, noting the conditions are expected to linger throughout Saturday evening.
“The best advice is stay indoors.”
By the time the spout reached the shore, it would have likely lost a lot of its power and speed, Kuss added. There is also a special weather statement in effect for Metro Vancouver for Monday and Tuesday.
