Super storm prediction a delight for Tofino storm watchers

Communities along the B.C. South Coast are warning people to be ready as a series of storms slams into the region. But on Vancouver Island's rugged west coast, the preparations look a bit different.

The vacation destinations of Tofino and Ucluelet have increasingly attracted tourists who want to experience the powerful storms that roll in from the Pacific Ocean.

Predictions of a particularly severe storm on Saturday when the tail end of Super Typhoon Songda bears down on the South Coast prompted the Wickaninnish Inn, which also happens to be celebrating its 20th anniversary, to put up a tent to safely accommodate extra storm watchers.

"It should be interesting. But with a little bit of West Coast engineering, we are pretty sure we have it anchored in place."saidCharles McDiarmid, the inn'smanaging director.

Winds in Tofino on Saturday could top 100 km/h, and waves crashing along the shoreline could climb to up to nine metres in height, said McDiarmid.

"It is an impressive early season storm."

The winter storm-watching season on the west coast of Vancouver Island typically doesn't start until November, he added.

The inn was specificallydesigned to withstand powerful stormsand includesa generator to ensure essential services can be provided to guests, even if the electricity is knocked out, he said.

"We have been living the dream for 20 yearsso we are very used to this kind of weather."

But just how severe Saturday's storm ends up beingdepends onthe track of the storm. The worst-case scenario for wind includes the storm makinglandfall along central Vancouver Island, Environment Canada said.

• Largest storm is expected to arriveSaturday when the remnantof Super TyphoonSongdaarrives
• B.C. storms: here's what you can do to prepare

Officials in communities across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland are preparing for potential damage that could include power outages, flooding, downed trees and even landslides.

With files from All Points West