Potentially damaging winds are expected in Nanaimo beginning Friday evening from a strong storm moving in from the Pacific. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

storm season

Wind warning issued for Nanaimo & Oceanside, some ferries cancelled

Nov 10, 2023 | 9:55 AM

NANAIMO — Gusty and potentially damaging winds are expected in the region beginning Friday.

Environment Canada issued a wind warning covering a majority of eastern Vancouver Island, including Nanaimo, Ladysmith and Oceanside, advising of gusty winds resulting from a “very strong Pacific frontal system.”

Winds are expected to pick up late afternoon of Friday, Nov. 10 and continue overnight.

“Ahead of the front, winds will rise to southeast 70 gusting to 90 kilometres per hour beginning [Friday] evening. The strongest winds will occur over areas along the Strait of Georgia,” the warning read.

Warnings cover a majority of eastern Vancouver Island with strong winds and rain expected Friday evening. (Environment Canada)

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The wind warning also covers much of the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast, while a separate rainfall warning is in place for areas between the Comox Valley and Qualicum Beach.

Areas of the Fraser Valley are also under a rainfall warning with between 50 to 70 millimetres expected along with some wind.

“The strong winds will ease by Saturday morning then shift to moderate southwesterly in the wake of the front. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches.”

BC Ferries began cancelling planned crossings late Friday morning.

Both the 8:15 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. departures from Duke Point to Tsawwassen, along with the corresponding return trips, were removed from the schedule due to “adverse weather conditions on the Georgia Strait”.

The 8:45 p.m. and 10:10 p.m. sailings from Nanaimo’s Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay, as well as service between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, will stop as of 7:00 p.m. Friday evening.

Other sailings between Comox and Powell River were also cancelled for Friday afternoon and evening.

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