Environment Canada is warning residents on southern Vancouver Island to prepare for powerful winds that could cause damage, down trees, and lead to power outages.
The alert covers exposed coastal sections of Greater Victoria, as well as areas around Juan de Fuca Strait and the southern Strait of Georgia.
Forecasters say southeasterly winds of about 70 km/h, with gusts up to 90 km/h, are expected to develop over coastal areas of Victoria today.
Those winds are being driven by a Pacific low pressure system moving across BC’s south coast.
After that system passes, winds will shift and intensify again.
Stronger southwesterly gusts – also reaching 70 km/h and potentially up to 90 km/h – are expected near midnight and into early Sunday morning over exposed coastal areas along the inner south coast, especially around the Juan de Fuca Strait and the southern Strait of Georgia.
Environment Canada says winds should ease early Sunday morning.
Environment Canada is asking anyone who observes severe weather to report it by email at BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or by posting with the hashtag #BCStorm on X.
