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Strong winds coming to South Coast could be damaging for Vancouver Island

A woman struggles with an umbrella in central London, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP)

Strong winds could lead to property damage in Victoria and communities on Vancouver Island’s west coast Sunday into early Monday morning, Environment Canada warns.

Those same winds are also expected to hit the Lower Mainland and North Shore Sunday evening, although conditions there are not expected to be as serious.

The weather agency’s wind warning says southwest winds over Greater Victoria could strengthen to anywhere between 60 and 90 km/h by Sunday afternoon.

In western parts of the island, meanwhile, gusts could reach 100 km/h before easing as the Pacific storm system moves inland.

“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur,” the warning reads.

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As of 6:30 p.m., BC Hydro was reporting over 7,400 power outages on southern Vancouver Island.

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An additional 343 customers lost power due to a downed tree in Sooke, but crews estimate service will be restored by 8 p.m. A downed fire in the Colwood-Langford area took out power to 2,600 people alone.

Environment Canada says the winds are expected to die down by Monday morning.

Click to play video: 'Ferry frustrations generated by Friday’s windstorm'
Ferry frustrations generated by Friday’s windstorm

A special weather statement was later issued for all Metro Vancouver communities, saying winds will pick up in the evening and reach 50 to 70 km/h before dying down overnight.

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No damage is expected in that region, according to the agency.

However, Grouse Mountain announced it was closing its ski hill operations early Sunday evening due to the weather.

BC Ferries has shared the wind warning on its website, but so far no sailings have been affected.

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