With tongue-in-cheek, forecasters at Environment Canada are labeling this Pacific Storm "the biggest storm of the decade." (Environment Canada)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

winter storm

First storm of 2020 brings heavy rain, winds and ferry cancellations to Nanaimo

Jan 2, 2020 | 11:30 PM

NANAIMO — After rain and high-elevation snow made driving difficult on Thursday Jan. 2, the year’s first storm is continuing to cause travel issues.

BC Ferries announced a series of early morning ferry cancellations including the 6:15 a.m. and 8:25 a.m., 10:40 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. crossings from Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay.

The company also cancelling 10:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. departures from Duke Point and Tsawwassen.

Service resumed in the afternoon under a modified schedule.

Environment Canada said strong winds are expected to continue through much of Friday, tapering off in the evening hours.

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Wind warnings for areas north of Nanaimo predict up to 70 km/h through areas near the Strait of Georgia.

The storm is also expected to bring significant rain to eastern Vancouver Island with 70 millimetres expected to fall on northern sections

BC Hydro reported a power outage in Nanoose Bay affecting almost 1700 customers at around 8:30 a.m. Crews restored power shortly after, with the total outage lasting around two hours.

NanaimoNewsNOW will update this story as further information becomes available.

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