Environment Canada has issued weather alerts for two Vancouver Island regions, warning of tall, crashing waves on Wednesday.
A weather warning about the waves was issued for West Vancouver Island, while a less severe special weather statement was posted for Greater Victoria.
In West Vancouver Island, waves reaching five to seven metres tall (16 feet to 22 feet) are possible along shorelines that are exposed to the open ocean, according to Environment Canada.
The tall waves are expected late Wednesday morning into the early afternoon.
“Waves and pounding surf will produce higher than normal water levels along the coast, especially near high tide,” said Environment Canada in a notice Tuesday.
“These waves can cause damage to coastal infrastructure, especially at locations that have been prone to impacts during similar events in the past.”
Special weather statement
In Greater Victoria, elevated ocean water levels and “significant waves” are expected, though no specific heights were forecast by Environment Canada.
The waves are expected to sweep Victoria in the late morning to early afternoon, particularly around high tide.
“Large waves, storm surge and seasonably high tides have the potential to produce high water levels for Wednesday,” said the weather office.
“Coastal flooding is possible along exposed shorelines, especially in low-lying areas.”
Wind warning
The weather warning for West Vancouver Island and special weather statement for Greater Victoria were issued after Environment Canada posted a wind warning for northern Vancouver Island on Tuesday.
On the northern part of the island, strong winds are expect to gust overnight into Wednesday afternoon.
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Adam Chan
