Environment Canada warns of 'significant fall storm' for Vancouver Island

A fall windstorm is expected to hit Vancouver Island this weekend, according to forecasters. Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement covering all of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast north of Saltery Bay.

A fall windstorm is expected to hit Vancouver Island this weekend, according to forecasters.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement covering all of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast north of Saltery Bay.

The weather service says the "significant fall storm" front will arrive Sunday night, bringing rain and winds gusting up to 90 km/h over northern and western Vancouver Island.

Southern Vancouver Island and B.C.'s South Coast will see wind gusts between 60 and 80 km/h, as will areas along the Strait of Georgia, Environment Canada says.

Western Vancouver Island is expected to see the highest rainfall with accumulation estimated at 50 millimetres, while eastern Vancouver Island will see 30 millimetres of rain and Greater Victoria and the southern Gulf Islands will see between 10 and 20 millimetres, according to the weather agency.

Wind warnings may be issued for select regions as the storm system nears, Environment Canada says.

"Strong winds may result in falling tree branches and local power outages," the special weather statement said.