BC Ferries are advising of some potential sailing cancellations Friday afternoon and evening, with a wind storm projected to hit the region. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
wind warning

Afternoon & evening ferry cancellations possible with strong wind storm approaching

Feb 3, 2023 | 9:14 AM

NANAIMO — A wind storm is set to pack a punch, potentially disrupting Friday ferry travel.

Environment Canada is calling for wind gusts upwards of 90 kilometres per hour beginning the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 3 and extending into the evening hours.

“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches. Motorists, especially in high profile vehicles, may expect hazardous driving conditions on highways subject to strong crosswinds,” the warning read.

Winds are expected to be southeasterly beginning in the afternoon before swinging over to the southwest by the evening.

BC Ferries is preparing and advised customers late Thursday evening about the possibility of cancelling service during the storm.

Affected sailings include Nanaimo’s Departure Bay and Duke Point terminals, to various points in the Lower Mainland beginning mid-morning on Friday.

“We are currently monitoring the weather conditions and additional updates will be provided via Service Notices as they become available,” BC Ferries said Thursday night.

As of publishing time, the following sailings were at risk of cancellation for Friday, Feb. 3:

Duke Point-Tsawwassen

  • 3:15 p.m. departing Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Duke Point (Nanaimo)
  • 5:45 p.m. departing Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Duke Point (Nanaimo)

Departure Bay-Horseshoe Bay

  • 3:20 pm departing Departure Bay (Nanaimo)
  • 3:45 pm departing Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver)
  • 5:55 pm departing Departure Bay (Nanaimo)

Travellers setting out on Friday should visit the BC Ferries website for the latest on sailing cancellations.

This article will be updated throughout the day to reflect current conditions.

The brunt of Friday’s wind storm is forecast to miss Nanaimo, but ferry travel is still expected to be disrupted as a result. This image showed forecasted wind speeds at around 2 p.m. (Windy)

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