Strong winds across Vancouver Island have resulted in a multitude of power outages and a few ferry delays on Monday morning.
Environment Canada has indicated that strong winds that “may cause damage” have been occurring already this morning along both the west and east coast of Vancouver Island as well as in the Greater Victoria area.
According to the weather agency, the Pacific frontal system is bringing northwesterly winds of 80-100 km/h over the exposed coastal sections of West Vancouver Island.
On the opposite coast, Environment Canada says that southeasterly winds of 70 – 90 km/h are expected over the exposed coastal sections of Sunshine Coast, as well as the Central and northern sections of East Vancouver Island.
The winds on the eastern side of Vancouver Island will veer northwest at 40 to 60 km/h early this morning and are expected to ease to light gusts late Monday morning.
In Greater Victoria, winds are anticipated from 50 to 70 km/h in the westerly direction, impacting neighbourhoods near the Juan de Fuca Strait.
BC Hydro’s outages map says that thousands of Island residents are waking up without power in various areas along both coastal regions.
There are currently significant outages near Courtenay, Nanoose Bay, Coombs, Whiskey Creek, Port Renfrew, Sooke and Metchosin.
In most cases, BC Hydro has noted that crews are on the way and the reason for the outage is under investigation.
Due to the strong winds, BC Ferries has also cancelled multiple sailings early on Monday.
The ferry company has cancelled the below major routes due to adverse weather:
Horseshoe Bay – Nanaimo (Departure Bay)
6:15 am departing Departure Bay
8:25 am departing Horseshoe Bay
6:15 am departing Horseshoe Bay
8:25 am departing Departure Bay
Tsawwassen – Nanaimo (Duke Point)
5:15 am departing Tsawwassen
7:45 am departing Duke Point
Any updates on the status of BC Ferries’ sailings can be viewed on the company’s Service Notices page.
Graham Cox
