Strong winds in store for B.C.'s south coast

A BC Hydro worker removes tree branches from a power line on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. (CTV News)

A windstorm will soon batter parts of southern British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island, according to a warning issued by Environment Canada Friday.

The weather office is forecasting winds of up to 90 km/h for across Metro Vancouver, the eastern region of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast.

The area between Duncan and Fanny Bay on Vancouver Island is set to be affected, alongside the region on the Sunshine Coast from Gibsons to Earls Cove.

The winds will persist throughout Friday night and into Saturday afternoon.

The gale-force winds may cause power outages and downed trees, alongside damage to homes, the weather agency warned.

A special weather advisory was also issued for Williston Lake and Pine Pass in central B.C., where up to 15 centimetres of snow is expected to fall from Friday.

The flurries are expected to ease by Saturday afternoon, the weather agency said.

Drivers are warned of reduced visibility on roads, while the public are advised to make an emergency plan and prepare an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.