UPDATE – 2:20 p.m., April 7: BC Ferries has cancelled all sailings between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island until further notice due to strong winds.
Just as Metro Vancouver has set the record for the gloomiest March since record keeping began, strong winds are expected to hit the area on Friday.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Metro Vancouver, saying gusty southeasterly winds are expected on the South Coast.
A strong low-pressure system will pass to the west of Vancouver Island during the day on Friday, bringing strong winds to much of the South Coast.
Global BC meteorologist Mark Madryga says winds over Western Oregon and Southwest Washington have increased quickly Friday morning, and the B.C. South Coast will be next.
Madryga says southeast winds will reach speeds of 60 to 80 km/h over exposed areas of Vancouver Island this afternoon and evening. In Metro Vancouver, gusts of 40 to 60 km/h will be common by mid-afternoon, with potentially higher gusts to 80 km/h nearest to the Strait of Georgia. Rain will accompany the strong winds into the evening.
Wind warnings have also been issued for Greater Victoria, Sunshine Coast and Southern Gulf Islands.