Heavy rain, winds expected for Greater Victoria and much of Vancouver Island

Strong winds and heavy rain is forecasted for much of Vancouver Island, including Greater Victoria tonight.

Environment Canada is warning of a weather system destined for the South Coast, Howe Sound, Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

An unseasonably strong low pressure system will make landfall on the Island tonight, bringing strong southeasterly winds and heavy precipitation.

The storm will be accompanied by freezing levels of 1100 to 1500 metres, which means precipitation will fall as heavy snow in the mountains.

They added that 40 to 60 mm of precipitation is expected tonight and through Wednesday.

Meanwhile, winds of 80 km/h, gusting to 100, are expected for West Vancouver Island and North Vancouver Island. Over exposed coastal sections, wind gusts may reach 110 km/h.

Environment Canada says that they may release more warnings and alerts closer to the event.