Dis-gusting: BC Ferries announces possible sailing cancellations ahead of wind storm

It wouldn’t be a Monday morning in Victoria without a weather warning.

Strong gusting winds are expected all throughout the day on Monday and are expected to dissipate in the evening, according to Environment Canada.

The Juan de Fuca Strait will take the brunt of the wind warning with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h. Western and southern Vancouver Island will be the most affected with eastern regions of the island also getting some heavy winds. 

“The combination of a strong pressure gradient and an unstable air-mass will bring gusty westerly winds to the Greater Victoria area beginning this afternoon,” said Environment Canada in a statement. 

“These blustery conditions can be expected to ease through tonight.”

The national weather authority warns that damage to buildings can often take place during high winds such as Monday’s and power outages are likely to impact some Victorians. 

With the strong winds looming over the island, BC Ferries is proactively warning travellers that some sailings may be at risk of cancellation.

Departure Bay in Nanaimo and Horseshoe Bay have had travel advisories issued for all sailings from 3:20 p.m. to 10:50 p.m.

So far all Nanaimo and Horseshoe Bay sailings have departed as scheduled. 

“We are currently monitoring the weather conditions and additional updates will be provided via Service Notices as they become available,” said a BC Ferries spokesperson.

“We apologize for any inconvenience as a result of cancellations.”