Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Victoria get hit with powerful winds

Residents of B.C.’s South Coast were hit with strong winds Friday that are set to last through the night.

A wind warning is in effect for Victoria and the West Coast of Vancouver Island, and special weather statements are in place for Metro Vancouver, the Southern Gulf Islands and Inland and Eastern Vancouver Island.

Environment Canada says the winds are the product of a low pressure system anticipated to arrive mid-day Friday and lingering until early Saturday morning.

The agency says winds of up to 70 kilometres per hour moved in over northern parts of Eastern Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast Friday afternoon.

9:44 Vancouver and B.C.’s South Coast continues to dig out after winter storm

Southwest winds of between 50 to 70 kilometres per hour hit the Southern Gulf Islands, Inland Vancouver Island and southern sections of Metro Vancouver and the western Fraser Valley late Friday afternoon.

Environment Canada says strong northwest winds of up to 70 kilometres per hour are expected to track in after that, sweeping the Strait of Georgia and potentially affecting areas near the water.

BC Ferries said the winds could affect sailings on some routes later Friday, but no cancellations or delays were reported by the evening.

Roughly 2,000 customers were without power on Vancouver Island in the early evening, but BC Hydro managed to restore service a couple of hours later.

Outages were also reported in Mission due to trees taking down wires, but those customers have also had their power restored.

Travellers headed to the Interior are also facing a snowfall warning on the stretch of the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt, where up to 25 centimetres are in the forecast.