Environment Canada warns of 'very strong storms' set to hit B.C. coast over Christmas

Environment Canada says a "series of very strong storms" is set to hit British Columbia's coast early next week and has issued wind warnings going into the Christmas long weekend.

The agency issued wind warnings for B.C.'s north and central coast, Haida Gwaii and north Vancouver Island, forecasting gusts between 90 and 120 km/h starting this evening into Sunday afternoon.

Environment Canada says the "very strong winds" will hit exposed coastal areas as a weather system approaches the province.

It says there's potential that even stronger winds will begin on Christmas Day into the middle of next week.

The agency says loose objects could be whipped up by the gusty winds and cause injuries or property damage.

It also says the winds could cause power outages and knock down tree branches.

While there are no immediate forecasts that the south coast could face impacts from the storm, meteorologists say it is unlikely most of B.C. will have a white Christmas unless snow is already on the ground.

WATCH | Only slushy skiing on offer at North Shore mountains so far this season:

Skiers react to poor winter conditions on North Shore mountains

10 months ago

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Local skiers shared their thoughts on the slushy and patchy conditions on Grouse Mountain and at Cypress Mountain, which was closed Tuesday.

Weather watchers such as CBC News science communicator Darius Mahdavi say so fartemperatureshave fluctuatedbetween 5-10 C above seasonal levels across B.C.

The lack of snow has stymied Lower Mainland ski hills, whichhavenot been able to offer much terrain due to the conditions.

Any temperature drops over the next weekwill be accompanied by dry conditions, according to Environment Canada meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau.