Strong winds with gusts up to 100/km hour are currently swooping through Metro Vancouver.

Environment Canada issued a warning earlier this morning, indicating the winds may cause damage by tossing loose objects or causing tree branches to break.

To ensure public safety, the Vancouver Park Board has temporarily closed all access to Stanley Park until further notice. As a result, Bright Nights at Stanley Park is cancelled for the remainder of the day.

Access to #StanleyPark is CLOSED until further notice due to high winds and risk of falling branches. Park Rangers will be redirecting traffic and pedestrians at the Pipeline Rd. Roundabout. Lagoon Drive is closed as is Seawall between 3rd Beach and Lions Gate Bridge. pic.twitter.com/PRnkBsjMxi — Vancouver Park Board (@ParkBoard) December 20, 2018

Bright Nights in #StanleyPark will remain CLOSED for the rest of the day/evening due to continued high winds. Tickets can be exchanged through TicketLeader at 604-252-3700. Details: https://t.co/Q6FOvZo9w9 @BrightNightsVan @CityofVancouver @NEWS1130 — Vancouver Park Board (@ParkBoard) December 20, 2018

At this time, it’s difficult to anticipate when the park will reopen. However, the forecast predicts winds will ease this evening and shift from west to northwest.

In addition, VanDusen Garden has also been forced to close, but will reopen later today for the Festival of Lights.

🛑Please note that VanDusen Garden is now CLOSED with current high winds. We still plan to open VanDusen Festival of Lights at 4:30pm and will post if this changes due to weather conditions. #VanDusenFOL #BCStorm @CityofVancouver @ParkBoard #vancouver pic.twitter.com/WvK7JjW7CK — VanDusen Garden (@VanDusenGdn) December 20, 2018