Weather conditions marked by strong tides and strong winds made it necessary BC Ferries to cancel almost all Saturday morning departures on all routes between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Thousands of homes have been left without power in Greater Vancouver, while the risk of flooding looms over coastal areas.
Environment Canada has issued numerous weather warnings across British Columbia for the weekend, particularly along the south coast.
The alerts include warnings of strong winds, heavy rain and possible coastal flooding, as well as inland snowfall.
BC Ferries had to cancel many crossings as a precaution. Sailings scheduled for late morning and early afternoon on main routes are also at risk of cancellation, according to the ferry company. The most recent information is available on its service advisories page.
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The ferry company, BC Ferries, had to cancel many as a precaution. (Archive photo)
Photo: The Canadian Press / Darryl Dyck
Power outages
High winds caused power outages across British Columbia’s south coast. More than 35,000 BC Hydro customers are without electricity in Greater Vancouver, and more than 15,000 on Vancouver Island, as of Saturday morning.
The power company said in an update Saturday morning that some customers may be without power for much of the day on northern Vancouver Island.
Crews found fallen trees that damaged several structures and brought down at least seven spans of lines. Additional supplies, equipment and crews were sent.
Beware of driving!
According to Environment Canada, wind gusts from the southeast are expected to reach up to 100 kilometers per hour on Saturday, and meteorologists are warning of possible damage to buildings.
People operating vehicles in affected areas should prepare for harsh driving conditions, especially those operating large vans and trucks, which are more exposed to crosswinds when in motion.
A precipitation alert has also been issued for eastern Vancouver Island, Courtenay has Campbell Riverwhere 50 to 70 millimeters of rain are forecast, including heavy downpours and flash floods.
This new windstorm comes just under a month after a bomb cyclone brought gusty winds to parts of the South Coast, knocking out power to up to 300,000 BC Hydro customers.
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Flooding may occur in coastal areas around Greater Victoria and along the west coast of Vancouver Island due to high ocean levels. (Archive photo)
Photo: The Canadian Press
Flood risks
People living in coastal areas around Greater Victoria and along the west coast of Vancouver Island to the northern tip are being warned of a risk of flooding midday Saturday at high tide.
High ocean levels, accompanied by strong winds and large waves, could flood these coastal areas, meteorologists say. Environment Canada advises that the tide and waves are likely to exceed the highest regular tides.
People should stay away from beaches and the ocean, even in inlet areas. Buildings in these areas, especially low-lying ones, are at risk of flooding.
Environment Canada is also warning of heavy snowfall on interior mountain roads in the south and north of the province.
Specifically, expect an accumulation of 15 to 20 centimeters of snow overnight from Saturday to Sunday on Highway 3, from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass.
Further north, up to 15 centimeters are expected in some locations along Highway 97.
With information from Tessa Vikander
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