This article was updated at 12:27 pm
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a wind warning that’s set to kick up some serious gusts over Greater Victoria and nearby regions tonight and into Wednesday morning, and it looks like it has impacted ferry service.
#ServiceNotice [1/2] To ensure the safety of our customers and crew, the following sailings between #Tsawwassen and #DukePoint must be cancelled for today, Tuesday, November 12, as a result of Environment Canada’s severe weather forecast.
More: https://t.co/leqag5VyJa ^ha
— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) November 12, 2024
Winds are expected to barrel in from the southeast, reaching around 70 km/h and gusting up to a fierce 90-100 km/h in spots, especially near Haro Strait and Boundary Bay. If you live on or near the Southern Gulf Islands or East Vancouver Island, brace yourself for some powerful gusts too.
Sailings cancelled
The following sailings between Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (Victoria) have been cancelled today, November 12:
- 7 pm departing Swartz Bay
- 7 pm departing Tsawwassen
- 9 pm departing Swartz Bay
- 9 pm departing Tsawwassen
The following sailings between Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Duke Point (Nanaimo) have been cancelled today, November 12:
- 8:15 pm departing Duke Point
- 8:15 pm departing Tsawwassen
- 10:45 pm departing Duke Point
- 10:45 pm departing Tsawwassen
The following sailings between Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and the Southern Gulf Islands have been cancelled today, November 12:
- 3:35 pm departing Long Harbour (Salt Spring Island)
- 4:25 pm departing Otter Bay (Pender Island)
- 5:15 pm departing Village Bay (Mayne Island)
- 5:55 pm departing Sturdies Bay (Galiano Island)
- 7:30 pm departing Tsawwassen
- 8:35 pm departing Sturdies Bay
- 9:15 pm departing Village Bay
- 9:55 pm departing Otter Bay
Sailings at risk of cancellation
The following sailings between Departure Bay (Nanaimo) and Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) are at risk of being cancelled today, November 12:
- 3:45 pm departing Horseshoe Bay
- 6:35 pm departing Horseshoe Bay
- 10:10 pm departing Horseshoe Bay
- 3:20 pm departing Departure Bay
- 5:55 pm departing Departure Bay
- 8:45 pm departing Departure Bay
BC Ferries is monitoring the weather and Daily Hive will provide updates as conditions change. Stay tuned and be prepared to adjust your plans as needed.
Stormy waters at Clover Point in Victoria (Zach Bartel/Shutterstock)
A strong Pacific front is rolling in, bringing those intense southeasterly winds, especially noticeable near the waterways. Gusts could whip up loose items and even snap a few branches, so it’s worth securing anything left outside and watching for any signs of fallen debris.
The skies are clouding up this afternoon with a good chance of rain and a high of 10°C. By tonight, rain will be steady, with gusty southeast winds intensifying around Haro Strait. The temperature is likely to hold near 9°C overnight.
Tomorrow, the rain should ease a bit by noon, but the clouds and occasional showers are sticking around, with temperatures reaching up to 12°C. Showers will likely continue into the evening.
Thursday brings a blend of sun and clouds with a slight chance of rain, while Friday looks brighter but a little cooler in the evening.
This is a developing story, stay tuned for any updates.