British Columbia

Strong winds expected to hit B.C. South Coast midday Monday

Environment Canada is warning of winds up to 80 km per hour across south coast of the province.

Environment Canada alert warns of winds reaching 80 km per hour, even higher near Tofino

Firefighters remove debris and branches from a fallen tree in North Vancouver, during a wind storm in October 2016. (Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

Environment Canada has issued warnings about high winds reaching up to 80 kilometres per hour that are expected to hit B.C.'s South Coast starting late Monday morning.

The alert covers Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Southern Gulf Islands, Squamish and the Sunshine Coast.

The strong southerly winds will result from a low pressure system over the Pacific which is expected to intensify as it approaches the B.C. South Coast.

Exposed parts of west Vancouver Island could see even stronger winds of up to 90 kilometres per hour with the front expected to make landfall in the Tofino area first.

Environment Canada says wind warnings are issued when there is a significant risk of damage, including broken tree branches and loose objects being tossed.