Photo: MJ Todd / file photo

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the Central and South Okanagan for Friday.

The statement covers both Kelowna and Penticton and is calling for south winds of 60 km/h gusting to 80 km/h for this afternoon and late this evening.

The areas of particular concern include:

• West Kelowna
• Peachland
• Summerland
• Naramata Bench
• Penticton

The special weather statement from Environment Canada indicates, " a robust cold front will move across the Okanagan Valley this evening bringing strong winds and some rain. The southerly winds will be the main concern as there is the potential for wind speeds of 50 to 60 km/h with gusts to 80 km/h to develop this evening prior to the arrival of the cold front."

Anyone travelling across the Okanagan Connector is advised to be aware of strong crosswinds over exposed areas of the highway during this time.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada and check Castanet traffic cameras and DriveBC for the latest on travel conditions.