Debris across area roads is likely as a strong wind storm moves through the region beginning Tuesday evening. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

batten down the hatches

Wind warning issued for mid-Island ahead of ‘blustery’ Pacific storm

Nov 12, 2024 | 9:26 AM

NANAIMO — The third of a series of storms hitting the region over the Remembrance Day long weekend is poised to be a big one.

Environment Canada has issued wind warnings for the entire coast of Vancouver Island, encompassing Nanaimo and Parksville, advising of sustained winds upwards of 70 kilometres per hour with gusts broaching 100 kilometres per hour beginning Tuesday, Nov. 12.

“Blustery southeasterly winds…will develop [Tuesday] evening over areas near the Strait of Georgia, Haro Strait and Boundary bay,” the warning reads. “Winds are expected to ease during Wednesday morning.”

Travel delays are expected with the winds causing potentially variable driving conditions, in addition to any BC Ferries cancellations.

The company has already advised travellers between Nanaimo’s Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver to be prepared for cancellations.

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A service notice posted mid-Tuesday morning said the 3:20 p.m., 5:55 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. sailings from Nanaimo were “at risk of being cancelled”, along with corresponding departures from Vancouver.

Sailings from Duke Point are also affected with the 3:15 p.m. at risk of cancellation, while the later 8:15 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. crossings from both ports already cancelled.

Tuesday’s system is the third in quick succession.

After a ridge of high pressure last week broke down, systems began moving through the region Friday, with a second on Sunday, Nov. 10 and finally this one.

Meteorologist Lisa Erven told NanaimoNewsNOW on Friday, Nov. 8 the storm’s track will dictate how bad winds get.

“It will depend on the exact strength of that system and also where the low pressure system makes landfall. Any subtle change in the storm track can actually have a dramatic effect on the winds along eastern Vancouver Island.”

A brief break is forecast midweek before more rain returns over the weekend.

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