Beginning in the afternoon of Monday, January 8th, strong winds rolled into Greater Victoria and much of the western regions of Vancouver Island and those winds are expected to continue.
Although the rain has slowed down through the evening and early morning hours, as of Tuesday morning, Environment Canada has two active weather alerts for the Greater Victoria region.
The national weather authority says “very strong winds” are expected for both Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands.
They say 70 km/h westerly winds can be expected to gust up to 90 km/h near the water.
“A strong frontal system is affecting the BC coast today,” reads the weather warning issued by Environment Canada.
“The winds will fall below warning criteria this afternoon as the system begins to depart the region.”
Environment Canada warns that these strong winds may cause power outages through the region.
The winds are so strong near the water that the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has announced that the Breakwater will be closed for the remainder of the day.
Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, and out of an abundance of precaution, the [GVHA] has closed the Breakwater upper and lower pathways,” they said in a media release.
By Tuesday evening, the strong winds should be reduced to around 20 km/h on average.
Related:
- BC Ferries cancels multiple sailings Tuesday morning ahead of looming storm
- Special weather statement issued as polar vortex moves over Vancouver Island
The second special weather statement issued by Environment Canada is for drastically elevated ocean levels on Tuesday, January 8th.
“Elevated ocean water levels accompanied by significant waves are expected, likely exceeding highest astronomical tide,” wrote Environment Canada.
“Large waves due to gale-force southwest winds, storm surge and seasonably high tides have the potential to produce high water levels for today. Coastal flooding is possible along exposed shorelines, especially in low-lying areas.”
Impacted areas of these higher than normal tides include shorelines along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, including Sooke and Victoria, Southern Gulf Islands. Areas near Boundary Bay within Metro Vancouver will also be impacted.
Rain is expected to continue through until Friday, January 12th, when Environment Canada says snow can be expected predicts snow will begin to fall in the Victoria region and the daily high temperature will drop below 0°C.
Due to the adverse weather, BC Ferries cancelled all Tuesday morning sailings. The next ferry will run at 11 a.m., however, the first sailings are already 100% full.
