NANAIMO — Gusts upwards of 100 kilometres per hour are expected over the weekend as a storm system descends on the region.
Environment Canada issued the wind warning shortly before 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, advising of southeasterly winds of 70 kilometres per hour, gusting to 100 kilometres per hour beginning Saturday, Dec. 14.
Winds are expected to pickup Saturday morning and ease by the afternoon.
The warnings cover eastern Vancouver Island from Sayward to the Malahat, including Nanaimo, Nanoose, Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Ladysmith.
Western Vancouver Island is also under a wind warning with slightly stronger sustained winds expected.
“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches,” Environment Canada warns.
A strong Pacific jet stream is not only leaving the region open to storms from the west, it’s blocking cold arctic air from coming into the area.
Meteorologists say the chance for a white Christmas locally is minimal at best.
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