Wind warnings issued for 2 P.E.I. counties ahead of wild weekend weather

Environment Canada says strong winds could cause damage to roofs and windows in P.E.I.'s Kings County and Prince County this weekend, with power outages possible from fallen tree branches.

The federal agency issued wind warnings for those two counties late Friday afternoon, saying the worst damage would occur from late morning Saturday through evening of the same day as gusts top 90 km/h. 

"Warning-level wind gusts may possibly continue out of the southeast into the overnight hours," the alert for Kings County said.

At the same time, Environment Canada also posted special weather statements for Queens and Kings county due to a forecast of higher than normal water levels on north and east facing coastlines along the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

"Strong east to northeast winds and low atmospheric pressure will cause higher than normal water levels and rough and pounding surf to coincide with Saturday's high tide," the agency said.

"Minor coastal erosion is possible."

Any time high winds whip across the Northumberland Strait, there's a risk of restrictions for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles on the Confederation Bridge, which connects Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. 

Travellers are advised to check the bridge's website before setting out.

The weekend is also expected to be an especially soggy one, says CBC meteorologist Jay Scotland, with 30 to more than 50 mm of rain possible through Sunday, along with sustained winds at 40-50 km/h with peak gusts of 60 to higher than 80 km/h possible. 

"The heaviest rain and strongest wind will occur mid-morning through the afternoon on Saturday, with conditions beginning to improve gradually Saturday evening," he said Friday afternoon. 

Scotland said people should watch for localized flooding and make sure objects around their homes are brought inside or secured in place.