An extreme wind warning for coastal regions of Vancouver Island was continued this afternoon for the Island's east coast.

Southerly winds of 50 to 70 km/h have developed over east and West Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and the Western Fraser Valley, Environment Canada reported on its website.

This level of warning means potentially damaging winds are expected or occurring.

The winds are expected to ease overnight.

The intense frontal system will also bring heavy rainfall to Howe Sound, the north shore mountains and northern sections of the Fraser Valley today. Total accumulations of 50-80 mm are expected by Friday.

It appears Victoria will escape the heavy rains.