Monday morning sailings between Nanaimo and the Lower Mainland were cancelled as a precaution on Sunday, Oct. 24 with a major storm moving its way across Vancouver Island. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

storm season

BC Ferries cancel Monday sailings with forecasted high winds

Oct 24, 2021 | 2:11 PM

NANAIMO — A significant fall storm is causing some advanced headaches for ferry travellers.

As a Pacific storm system descended onto eastern Vancouver Island early Sunday afternoon, BC Ferries announced a series of cancellations for its early morning sailings on Monday, Oct. 25.

The company will not sail its first two round trips between Tsawwassen and Nanaimo’s Duke Point, originally scheduled at 5:15 a.m. and 7:45 a.m.

Four round trips were also cancelled between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay with the planned 6:15 a.m., 8:25 a.m., 10:40 a.m. and 1 p.m. departures not going.

“Strong winds that may cause damage are expected on Monday. Easterly winds through Juan de Fuca strait will strengthen overnight Sunday to reach 70 kilometres per hour as an intense low pressure centre approaches Vancouver Island,” the BC Ferries service notice read.

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Winds are expected to be less intense on Monday afternoon, potentially clearing the way for crossings to resume.

Morning sailings were also cancelled between Tsawwassen and Victoria’s Swartz Bay as well as Comox to Powell River.

Environment Canada has wind warnings or special weather statements in effect for eastern Vancouver Island.

“Southeast winds of 70 to 90 kilometres per hour with gusts possibly exceeding 100 kilometres per hour are expected over North Vancouver Island. Southeasterly winds of 60 to 70 kilometres per hour with possible gusts to 90 will develop through east-west oriented valleys on Vancouver Island,” Environment Canada posted on their statement.

It continued to indicate western sections of the Lower Mainland could expect winds upwards of 80 kilometres per hour on Monday morning before easing through the day.

Updated BC Ferries service notices with additional cancellations can be viewed on their website.

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