Ferries cancelled as rain, wind warnings issued for B.C.’s South Coast

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

More rain and wind is in the forecast for B.C.’s South Coast Thursday as back-to-back systems bring a “prolonged period of moisture” to the region, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

An updated rainfall warning for the North Shore and Tri-Cities in Metro Vancouver and Howe Sound says after 20 to 40 millimetres of rain in the region Wednesday, a second “robust frontal system” is expected to bring an additional 20 to 40 millimetres beginning mid-day. The agency says the rain will ease off later Thursday evening.

“Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic. Local utility outages are possible,” the alert reads.

A wind warning has also been issued for Richmond and Delta, Greater Victoria, the Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast, and eastern Vancouver Island.

Forecasters expect strong and potentially damaging winds of 70 km/h with gusts up to 90 km/h beginning in the afternoon and easing by the evening.

ECCC warns of possible power outages and disruptions to travel, and asks residents to secure loose objects.

Due to the storms, the weather agency issued a statement cautioning that minor coastal flooding is likely along exposed shorelines on Vancouver Island.

Thursday afternoon sailings on BC Ferries between Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria were cancelled in anticipation of high winds in the Georgia Strait.

The cancelled sailings include:

• 3 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
• 3 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
• 5 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
• 5 p.m. departing Swartz Bay

BC Ferries says it expects all other sailings to travel as planned.