Wind warnings in effect for Greater Victoria, East Vancouver Island

Get ready for a blustery end to the week. Environment Canada is warning of strong winds in Greater Victoria and East Vancouver Island on Friday.
In Greater Victoria, winds gusts between 50 km/h and 70 km/h are expected Friday afternoon through the evening.
The strong winds are expected in areas near the water, and will ease around midnight, according to Environment Canada.
Meanwhile, even stronger winds are expected to blow over the east coast of Vancouver Island during the same time period.
Southwest winds between 60 km/h to 90 km/h are expected this afternoon before easing overnight along communities from Duncan to Nanaimo, Courtenay to Campbell River and from Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay.
The strong winds are being caused by a frontal system that's crossing over the south coast of B.C., according to Environment Canada.
Residents in affected areas are being warned of possible flying hazards, like tossed roof shingles or tree branches, and power outages may occur.
"Motorists, especially in high profile vehicles, may expect hazardous driving conditions on highways subject to strong cross winds," said Environment Canada in its warning posted Friday morning.
A wind warning has also been issued for the southern Gulf Islands.
The strong winds caused several BC Ferries sailings to be cancelled between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen Friday, and BC Ferries says more sailings are at risk of cancellation depending on the weather.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 investigates | Priest, neighbours issue plea for help for struggling international students in Cape Breton
Cape Breton University has more than doubled in size by enrolling thousands of international students, and critics say the campus and community weren't ready. Watch the documentary 'Cash Cow' on CTV W5, Saturday at 7 p.m.

A glass of wine or beer per day is fine for your health: new study
A new Canadian study of 4.8 million people says a daily alcoholic drink isn't likely to send anyone to an early grave, nor will it offer any of the health benefits touted by previous studies, even if it is organic red wine.
Federal minimum wage, taxes on alcohol: Here's what's changing in Canada April 1
The federal minimum wage is increasing from $15.55 per hour to $16.65, and taxes are going up on gas and alcohol nationwide starting April 1.
W5 profile | The Canadian who creates the real, but fake, sounds in Hollywood blockbuster films
W5 profiles the man who makes the sounds for breaking bones and squealing tires in Hollywood’s biggest films; and he does it from a small town in Ontario. Watch 'Sound Farms' at 7 p.m. on CTV W5.
Recent immigrants more likely to have confidence in Parliament, Canadian media: Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada has released its new report about the Canadians level of confidence in Canada’s institutions, finding that recent immigrants are more likely to express confidence in the media and parliament.
Afghan women cyclists who escaped the Taliban are chasing their dreams in Canada
After the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan and banned sports for female athletes, Afghan women cyclists are chasing their dreams in Canada.
Unable to leave Syria, mothers of Canadian children forfeit repatriation to keep their families together
In a choice forced upon them by the Canadian government, four mothers have made the agonizing decision to forfeit an opportunity to repatriate their children from open air prisons in northeast Syria.
MP Han Dong issues libel notice to Global News over China interference reporting
Lawyers representing Toronto MP Han Dong served Global News with a libel notice on Friday over reports that alleged he spoke to a Chinese diplomat in February 2021 about delaying the release of the two Michaels, and that he was a 'witting affiliate' of Chinese interference networks – allegations that Dong denies.
Here's what to expect from the Canadian cottage market this year
A recent report from Royal LePage is predicting a drop in prices for Canadian cabins and cottages this year as demand softens from economic uncertainty and low housing stock.