A past wind storm knocked down trees and brought down power lines across Vancouver Island. Photo © by axiepics on Flickr.

Environment Canada has released a wind warning for the capital region and Vancouver Island.

Damaging winds of up to 80km/h are expected to begin this evening and ramp up throughout the night as a low pressure centre tracks across the Island by Friday afternoon.

The full Environment Canada warning is reprinted below:

Winds will rise up to southeast 80 km/h over much of Vancouver Island, the southern gulf island and the Sunshine Coast overnight or early Friday.

Winds will rise up to southeast 70 km/h over sections of metro Vancouver near the strait of Georgia overnight or early Friday.

This is a warning that potentially damaging winds are expected or occurring in these regions. Monitor weather conditions..Listen for updated statements.

An intensifying pacific frontal system off the British Columbia coast will approach Vancouver Island tonight. The associated low pressure centre is forecast to track across Central Vancouver island early Friday afternoon. Ahead of the low, winds are forecast to rise to southeast 60 to 80 km/h over most of the south coast. The low will then move into the interior later in the afternoon. In its wake, the winds will shift to the southwest and become very gusty through the evening.

To discuss wild weather in the Victoria area on the VibrantVictoria.ca discussion forum, click here.

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