Batten down the hatches—Vancouverites are in for a blustery start to the weekend.
Environment Canada issued a wind warning for the Metro Vancouver region Thursday afternoon, citing a "vigorous frontal system" that is expected to approach the South Coast Friday morning, bringing with it strong winds and heavy rain.
The warning applies to areas stretching from the North Shore all the way south to Langley, including more central areas like the city of Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey and Langley.
According to the weather agency, residents of the Sunshine Coast and central and northern sections of East Vancouver Island can also expect to see southeast gusts of 70 kilometres per hour develop over exposed areas Friday morning.
The strong southeast winds are then predicted to make their way toward Metro Vancouver and southern sections of Howe Sound in the afternoon.
Winds will ease throughout the day as the front passes through, likely shifting to northwest gusts of 40 km/h by late Friday afternoon or early evening.
Environment Canada warns that loose objects could be tossed about by the storm, potentially resulting in injury or damage, while tree branches may snap due to the gusts.
Last month, a similar windstorm resulted in downed trees, cancelled ferries and power outages across the region.
