Batten the hatches, Victoria.
While the snow may be gone, the winter weather storms are still kicking around as windstorm alert remains in place Tuesday.
Environment Canada issued a warning of high winds Tuesday morning and overnight for Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands.
The weather has already forced the cancellation two BC Ferries sailings between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen this morning with two at risk of cancellation.
The 8 a.m. leaving Tsawwassen and the 10 a.m. leaving Swartz Bay have been cancelled.
#ServiceNotice #Tsawwassen #SwartzBay #QNewWestminster Due to adverse weather, the following sailings have been cxl'd today:
8:00am Ex. Tsawwassen
10:00am Ex. Swartz BayIf conditions do not improve, additional sailings are also at risk.
More info: https://t.co/3B8N7grGiU ^dk— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) December 27, 2022
BC Ferries also warned the noon sailing departing Tsawwassen and the 2 p.m. leaving Swartz Bay are both at risk of cancellation.
According to the weather agency, southeast winds of up to 70 km/h gusting up to 90 are expected during the morning with overnight winds shifting to westerly at 70 km/h gusting to 90.
In addition to the storm, the King Tide have arrived bringing potential of flooding.
In an email, the province told Victoria Buzz he Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) is monitoring forecasts closely and working directly with First Nations and local authorities to support with any precautionary measures needed.
“Communities are taking precautionary actions and making sand and sandbags available if needed. At this time, there are no outstanding requests to EMCR from communities on this matter but we’re in communication with local partners and ready to support if required,” a spokesperson with the province said.
During Monday morning’s storm, video sent to Victoria Buzz show docks being damaged in North Saanich caused by the high tide and wind.
According to the meteorological authority, coastal flooding is to be expected.
“There is a high confidence of coastal flooding near the Strait of Georgia near high tide this morning,” said Environment Canada.
“These water levels can cause damage to coastal infrastructure in low lying areas, especially at locations prone to impacts during similar events in the past.”
“Swells and enhanced wave action carrying debris may cause damage to coastal infrastructure. East to southeast facing coastline may see larger waves and higher localized flooding.”
The King Tide is estimated to last into the late afternoon on December 27th.
