Environment Canada issues wind warning for Victoria, air quality statement for northern B.C.

High winds hit the Ogden Point breakwater in Victoria in an undated file photo. (TJWatt.com)

Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for Greater Victoria and the southern Gulf Islands as southeasterly gusts are expected to reach 90 km/h at times.

The weather office says a frontal system is approaching southern Vancouver Island but will weaken as it moves inland around noon.

"Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur," the warning says. "Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches."

The high winds prompted the cancellation of two major BC Ferries sailings between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island Wednesday.

The 10 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay was cancelled, as was the noon return sailing from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen.

The ferry service says the 2 p.m. departure from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay and the 4 p.m. return sailing from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen are also at risk of cancellation due to the weather.

"Other sailings on this route are expected to proceed as scheduled, due to the sailing parameters of our Coastal Class vessels," BC Ferries said in a service notice.

Travellers are urged to consider using the Tsawwassen-Duke Point (Nanaimo) route as an alternate passage between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

B.C air quality advisory

Meanwhile, a special air quality statement remains in place for a large section of central and northern B.C.

The advisory was issued Tuesday morning after "high concentrations of coarse particulate matter" were identified around Prince George, the Lakes District, Bulkley Valley, Smithers, Vanderhoof and Houston.

An earlier dust warning was posted on Saturday for the community of Burns Lake, and Environment Canada says all the advisories are expected to remain until there is precipitation, dust suppression or a change in traffic patterns in the region.

Residents are advised to limit their exposure to high-traffic and industrial areas, saying poor air quality is hardest on people with respiratory conditions, pregnant women, seniors and infants.

The B.C. government's air quality index says Prince George, Quesnel and Smithers will reach a level 4 Wednesday, which is considered a moderate risk, before falling to 3, or low risk, by Thursday morning.