More strong winds are forecast for Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands.
Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for Greater Victoria, as well as East and West Vancouver Island, warning of strong southeast winds to hit the region Friday afternoon through Saturday morning.
North Vancouver Island has a wind warning and special weather statement issued for strong winds. The warning is for winds Friday afternoon into the evening, then the special weather statement is for winds continuing into Saturday morning.
Inland Vancouver Island, however, was not issued a weather statement.
Greater Victoria and exposed coastal sections near the Strait of Georgia, like East Vancouver Island and Southern Gulf Islands, should brace for winds of 50 kilometres per hour gusting to 70 km/h, Environment Canada warns.
People on West Vancouver Island, meanwhile, can expect winds of 60 to 80 km/h.
North Vancouver Island is forecast to have winds of 90 gusting to 110 km/h Friday, then on Saturday winds are expected to be at 80 gusting to 100 km/h.
Across the Island, peak winds are expected Friday night, notes Environment Canada.
“Winds will ease Saturday morning for most areas and by Saturday afternoon for Haida Gwaii,” according to the weather agency. “The stormy pattern continues with periods of strong winds again on Sunday and Monday.”
Damage to buildings, such as roof shingles and windows, may occur, as high winds could result in power outages and fallen tree branches, Environment Canada added in its statements.
The special weather statements follow since-rescinded wind warnings issued Wednesday for Greater Victoria and East, West and North Vancouver Island, where northern sections of the Island were expected to see 110 km/h winds Thursday afternoon before abating overnight.
People are encouraged to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada by visiting its website and reporting severe weather by emailing [email protected] or tweeting using #BCStorm.
CHEK News
