Environment Canada has issued weather warnings and special weather statements for parts of Vancouver Island due to strong wind in the forecast.
Greater Victoria the Southern Gulf Islands, and West Vancouver Island are under wind warnings, while a special weather statement has been issued for East Vancouver Island.
North Vancouver Island and Inland Vancouver Island have no alerts at this time.
For Greater Victoria, westerly winds of 70 gusting to 90 kilometres per hour are forecast, with the strongest winds near the Juan de Fuca Strait starting Monday afternoon into the evening.
“The combination of a strong pressure gradient and an unstable airmass will bring gusty westerly winds to the Greater Victoria area beginning this afternoon,” Environment Canada says on its notice for Greater Victoria. “These blustery conditions can be expected to ease through tonight.”
The warning for the Southern Gulf Islands forecasts northwest winds at 70 gusting to 90 km/h Monday afternoon into the evening near the Strait of Georgia.
“The combination of a strong pressure gradient and an unstable airmass will bring gusty northwesterly winds to the B.C. south coast,” Environment Canada says in its notice for the Southern Gulf Islands. “Peak winds are expected late afternoon and into the evening hours. Winds will ease tonight.”
The warning for West Vancouver Island forecasts northwest winds of 80 gusting to 90 km/h.
The special weather statement for East Vancouver Island is in effect for Courtenay to Campbell River, Duncan to Nanaimo, and Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay.
Northwest winds of 50 gusting to 70 km/h near the Strait of Georgia are forecast Monday afternoon into the evening.
In all four warnings and statements, Environment Canada warns that damage to buildings may occur, loose objects may be tossed by the wind and can cause injury or damage, and the high winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches.
Laura Brougham
