Ferry service between Nanaimo and the Lower Mainland is experiencing some difficulties due to adverse weather. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

TRAVEL ISSUES

Sailing cancellations start as high winds sweep across central Island

Dec 9, 2022 | 4:18 PM

NANAIMO — High winds are beginning to cancel crossings between the central Island and Lower Mainland.

BC Ferries cancelled the Friday, Dec. 9 5:55 p.m. sailing from Nanaimo’s Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay. An earlier 3:45 p.m. sailing the other way was scrapped.

As of 4:15 p.m. other sailings across the Strait of Georgia remain on the schedule but will be dependant on weather.

Winds are also impacting service between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island with a 4:35 p.m. boat from Nanaimo Harbour and the corresponding 5:05 p.m. return from Descanso Bay also cancelled.

Meanwhile, the Duke Point-Tsawwassen run is operating around 25 minutes behind due to a medical emergency on board the Coastal Inspiration.

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Travellers are advised to visit the BC Ferries website for the latest cancellations.

Environment Canada has a gale warning in effect, advising of winds upwards of 65 kilometres per hour on the water Friday afternoon.

While winds are expected to ease as Friday evening progresses, gusts are still expected to reach 55 kilometres per hour, while the forecast for Nanaimo itself is calling for wind gusts near 80 kilometres per hour

Precipitation from the storm is expected to be rainfall for most of the central Island.

Snow is possible at higher elevations, while the north Island including Courtenay and Campbell River are under a snowfall warning for Friday evening and into Saturday morning.

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