Environment Canada issued a wind warning for Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands Friday afternoon, adding to the wind warning for north and west Vancouver Island.
The weather agency said an approaching Pacific storm system will give intense winds to Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands tonight and Saturday morning. Strong southeast winds will increase to 60 to 80 km/h this evening. Winds will diminish later on Saturday morning.
READ MORE: BC Hydro warning people on Vancouver Island to plan for possible power outages during winter storm
West Vancouver Island and north Vancouver Island are still under a wind warning. On the west Island, southeast winds are expected to increase to 80 km/h this evening. On north Vancouver Island, southeast winds are expected to increase up to 90 km/h with speeds of 110 km/h for exposed coastal areas this evening.
Inland Vancouver Island and east Vancouver Island, from Courtenay to Campbell River, Duncan to Nanaimo and Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay are under a winter storm warning.
Environment Canada said the storm will start with snow beginning this evening across east and central Vancouver Island. Ten to 20 centimetres of snow is expected by Saturday morning.
Strong winds will also accompany the storm, the weather agency said. As a result, blowing snow is expected overnight tonight and early Saturday morning.
As warmer air associated with storm penetrates the region, the snow will likely transition to freezing rain over central Vancouver Island overnight Friday.
A complete change over to rain is expected by Saturday morning for all regions.
Environment Canada said timing this transition from snow to freezing rain is always challenging in these situations. There is a chance that this transition could be delayed resulting in higher snowfall amounts.
Earlier Friday, BC Ferries issued a travel advisory, advising of the approaching Pacific storm.
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