B.C. Ferries has cancelled most Christmas Day sailings between Vancouver and Tsawwassen
The weather system is coming from the Pacific Ocean and will bring widespread, very strong southeast winds to the inner South Coast, starting mid-morning. A low pressure system is then forecast to merge with that storm, bringing more bad weather for Boxing Day.
“These very strong southeast winds will be widespread over the South Coast and persist for a long duration,” the weather agency warns.
Heavy rain is also forecast, with total rainfall accumulations of 100 mm, worse for the North Shore, northern Coquitlam and Maple Ridge.
Wednesday, Dec. 25
10 a.m.: Environment Canada warns of storm surge and flooding on Boxing Day
“A quick transition to strong west winds are expected on Boxing Day morning. This will spread across Metro Vancouver and through Juan de Fuca Strait. Winds will gradually ease midday on Boxing Day for the Strait of Georgia and in the evening for Juan de Fuca Strait,” the agency states.
10 a.m.: B.C. Ferries could cancel more sailings
B.C. Ferries has warned the last two sailings on Christmas Day from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay and back could be cancelled. These are the 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. sailings in both directions.
The late sailings from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo and back may also be cancelled.
Several minor routes are also at risk of cancellation.
Tuesday, Dec. 24
4 p.m.: B.C. Ferries cancels some Christmas Day sailings
The ferry firm says the “severe” forecast means all sailings between Tsawwassen and Duke Point in Nanaimo on Wednesday have been axed, while trips between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. have also been scrapped.
Sailings are also cancelled between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay in Nanaimo between 10:40 a.m. and 6:35 p.m.
B.C. Ferries says the cancellations have been made to ensure the safety of customers and crew and other sailings on Wednesday are also at risk.