The workweek could be off to a choppy start for some commuters as BC Ferries warns select sailings between Vancouver Island and the Mainland are at risk of cancellation due to adverse weather conditions.
In a service notice Sunday afternoon, the ferry company says a handful of Monday, Feb. 13 sailings between Victoria (Swartz Bay) and Tsawwassen (Vancouver) are at risk of cancellation, including the 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. sailings departing both terminals.
Another service notice issued Sunday says four sailings between Duke Point (Nanaimo) and Tsawwassen could also get scrapped Monday, including the 3:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. sailings leaving both terminals.
The advisories came after Environment Canada issued a gale warning for the Strait of Georgia, where BC Ferries’ vessels sail.
The weather agency says winds will likely increase to northwest 35 to 45 knots Monday afternoon with gusts to 55, before easing to northwest 20 later in the evening. A ‘gale’ is a strong wind, and such warnings are issued when meteorologists predict speeds of 34 to 47 knots.
Strong winds on the way
Earlier Sunday, just after 5 a.m., Environment Canada also issued a special weather statement for parts of Vancouver Island, including west and east sections as well as Greater Victoria, saying strong winds that may cause damage are expected Monday afternoon through evening.
“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches,” according to the weather agency in its statement.
It says the combination of a strong pressure gradient and an unstable airmass will bring a “strong wind event” to B.C.’s south coast, peaking late in the afternoon before easing at night.
During the peak, people on the Island near the Juan de Fuca Strait will likely experience the strongest winds gusting up to 90 kilometres per hour, while those near the Strait of Georgia could encounter winds up to 70 km/h.
Ferrygoers can check BC Ferries’ website or Twitter for updates.
#ServiceNotice #Tsawwassen #SwartzBay Due to forecasted adverse weather conditions, the following sailings tomorrow, Feb 13, are at risk of cancellation:
– 3:00/5:00/7:00/9:00 pm ex #Vancouver
– 3:00/5:00/7:00/9:00 pm ex #VictoriaMore here: https://t.co/z7WCL1Y2f8 ^ts
— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) February 12, 2023
#ServiceNotice #Tsawwassen #DukePoint Due to forecasted adverse weather conditions, the following sailings tomorrow, Feb 13, are at risk of cancellation:
– 3:15 / 5:45 pm ex. Tsawwassen
– 3:15 / 5:45 pm ex. Duke PointMore here: https://t.co/TmCIpa7yAj ^ts
— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) February 12, 2023
Ethan Morneau
