There are dozens of scheduled sailings between Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and the Lower Mainland. These have been canceledB.C. Ferries Sunday because of high winds
“This is not a decision we take lightly, as our customers rely upon us to get them there,” B.C. Astrid Chang, Ferries’ manager of corporate communications, told CBC News. “Safety is our top priority. Safety is our number one priority. We’ve been monitoring the weather throughout the day, and have decided to cancel some sailings.
She explained that the multiple cancellations of sailings are affecting major routes such as Swartz Bay-to-Tsawwaseen, Duke Point-to Tsawwaseen, and Comox-to Powell River.
“We’re also seeing some sailing cancellations along some of our minor routes, as well as some modified schedules as the result of the weather conditions.”
She stated that sailings along the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay route will continue to operate.
Chang stated that “our customer care teams are actively reaching to customers who had booked on those cancelled sailings, refunding their money and trying to make alternate arrangements.”
Sunday wind warning
Environment Canada issued wind advisory for much of Metro Vancouver on Sunday. The warnings included Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast and Greater Victoria. On Sunday, meteorologists forecast southeasterly winds of 70 km/h with gusts to 90 km/h.
“We have an approaching frontal system,” said Gary Dickinson of Environment Canada. “And those strong wind will continue into tonight, leaving sometime around midnight.”
He said that the same system is bringing heavy amounts snow to the Sea to Sky corridor. There was about 20 cm of snow in Squamish Saturday night.
“Whistler received 45cm of snow last night,” he stated. “We’re looking at additional 15 to 40cm of snow today and another 15 cm tonight.”
A special weather advisory has been issued for areas such as Allison Pass on Highway 3 close to Manning Provincial Park, Trans-Canada Highway and Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass.
Dickinson stated that the frontal system was trying to push the cold air into the interior, so it’s producing all of the snow.
Avalanche Canada reports that the South Coast is at risk from avalanches, including on Vancouver Island.Very high“Until Monday, and is warning about non-essential travel.
Hydro outages
Sunday afternoon, more than 2,200 Lower Mainland customers were without power.
Nearly 10,000 North Vancouver Island customers were also without power as a result of downed power lines, mainly in the Campbell River–Courtenay region.
Simi Heer is spokesperson for B.C. Hydro spokesperson Simi Heer stated that the snow that had fallen in the area was challenging crews. She also said that future conditions would prove to be difficult.
She stated that she understands how frustrating and challenging it can be to not have power on Sundays during holidays. “We appreciate customers’ patience. “I just want customers to know that our crews work as quickly as possible.”
Heer encouraged people to be Prepared for power outagesKeep emergency supplies close at hand More snow is forecastFor the region overnight.
