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Environment Canada warning of strong winds for Monday in Cowichan

Environment Canada says people should expect wind gusts of up to 70 km/h
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When the wind howls, trees can come down and bring power lines with them. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)

Batten down the hatches for Labour Day Cowichan Valley residents.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for much of the east coast of Vancouver Island including Duncan and Lake Cowichan, warning of possible strong winds moving into the area on Monday, Sept. 7.

“Following an abrupt change in weather conditions across the prairies this weekend, a strong ridge of high pressure will build over northern B.C. and spread southwards tonight. Rising pressures will drive strong outflow winds through coastal valleys on Labour Day Monday. Winds will likely be at their peak during the day but could potentially remain gusty through Monday evening,” the statement said.

“The plume of strong, northeasterlies winds will cross the Strait of Georgia and impact the Gulf Islands, Greater Victoria, Port Renfrew, Duncan, and Lake Cowichan by Monday afternoon.”

How strong will the winds be? Environment Canada says people should expect wind gusts of up to 70 km/h and are warning people to be careful as this could cause tree limbs to break, which could impact everything from roadways to power lines and rooves.

So make sure the umbrella on your patio table is down, and you might want to pick any fruit from trees that is ready for harvest.