A forecast for high winds and waves on Christmas Day has prompted B.C. Ferries to cancel numerous sailings.
The cancellations include:
• Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, departures between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Risk of cancellation of departures between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay, departures between 10:40 a.m. and 6:35 p.m. Risk of cancellation between 8:05 p.m. and 10:50 p.m.
• Tsawwassen and Duke Point, departures between 10:15 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.
B.C. Ferries said it is cancelling the sailings “to ensure the safety of our customers and crew.”
Dec. 25 departures up to 9 a.m. are expected to go ahead, including:
• 9 a.m. departing from Tsawwassen
• 9 a.m. departing from Swartz Bay
• 8:25 a.m. departing from Horseshoe Bay
• 8:25 a.m. departing from Departure Bay
Check bcferries.com for schedule updates.
A warning from Environment Canada on Tuesday evening said the windstorm is expected by late morning on Christmas Day and could last until midday on Boxing Day.
The affected areas include Greater Victoria, Southern Gulf Islands, East Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast, and western sections of Metro Vancouver.
Southeast winds of up to 80 km/h, gusting to 100 km/h are possible for Greater Victoria, Southern Gulf Islands, and Courtenay to Campbell River, Environment Canada said.
The Greater Victoria hourly forecast from Environment Canada shows the wind picking up around 6 a.m. on Christmas Day, accompanied by rain. Southeast winds of 60 km/h with gusts to 80 km/h are expected. By 10 a.m. wind speed is forecast to increase to 80 km/h with gusts of 100 km/h.
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