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
Pennsylvania chocolate plant blast kills 5, leaves 6 missing
An explosion at a chocolate factory in Pennsylvania Friday killed two people and left nine people missing, authorities said.

Ukraine says battle for Bakhmut is 'stabilizing'
The top commander of Ukraine's military said Saturday that his forces are pushing back against Russian troops in the long and grinding battle for the town of Bakhmut, and British military intelligence says Russia appears to be moving to a defensive strategy in eastern Ukraine.
Trump rallying supporters in Waco ahead of possible charges
Staring down a possible indictment, a defiant Donald Trump is hoping to put on a show of force Saturday as he holds the first rally of his 2024 presidential campaign in a city made famous by deadly resistance against law enforcement.
'Everything is interwoven': Trudeau and Biden vow continued Canada-U.S. collaboration during historic visit
U.S President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have announced updates on a number of cross-border issues, after a day of meetings on Parliament Hill.
Asylum seeker deal between U.S. and Canada won't stop drama at border, advocates say
The new asylum seeker agreement between Canada and the United States will not deter migrants from trying to cross into Canada outside official ports of entry, Quebec immigration advocacy groups say.
Scientists say they've solved the mystery of cigar-shaped comet 'Oumuamua
Scientists now say they know outerspace object ‘Oumuamua is, and the answer is more simple than some previous theories have suggested.
'A riot of colours' and 'stunning views' can be found in Canada's national parks. Here's where to go this summer
This past week, Parks Canada opened up its reservation system for the 2023 season, offering places to stay, hikes to take and national historic sites to visit across the country. According to three experts, here's where to travel this summer.
Incredible photos show northern lights dancing across much of Canada
Sky-gazers and shutterbugs across much of Canada were treated to a spectacular display of northern lights Thursday night and into Friday morning.
W5 | Comedian Russell Peters doesn't pull punches in climate of 'cancel culture,' 'political correctness'
CTV W5 speaks with members of the comedy industry, including Russell Peters, for a wide-ranging look at how political correctness and 'cancel culture' has changed the world of stand-up comedy.