UPDATE: In a service notice posted early this afternoon, Feb. 3, B.C. Ferries said the Nanaimo-West Vancouver ferry schedule has been adjusted, with sailings still at risk of being cancelled today. However, should weather improve, the Queen of Cowichan will depart Horseshoe Bay terminal at 6:35 and 10:50 p.m. and Departure Bay terminal at 8:45 p.m.
PREVIOUSLY POSTED: Nanaimo residents planning to head to the Lower Mainland are being advised of possible ferry sailing cancellations due to strong winds today.
Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for numerous areas, including Nanaimo, with a frontal system crossing the south coast that could bring winds gusting up to 90 kilometres per hour this afternoon and into the evening.
For Departure Bay terminal in Nanaimo on Friday, Feb. 3, sailings at 10:40 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:20 p.m. and 5:55 p.m. are at risk of cancellation, stated B.C. Ferries in a service notice. For Horseshoe Bay terminal in West Vancouver, the 10:40 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. sailings could potentially be cancelled, as well.
The ferry company said it is also monitoring conditions on the Duke Point-Tsawwassen route, with 10:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. sailings from Tsawwassen at risk of cancellation and 12:45, 3:15 and 5:45 p.m. sailings from Duke Point under watch as well.
Weather conditions are being monitored and updates will be provided as they become available.
Environment Canada forecasts winds of 30-50km/h in Nanaimo this afternoon, except near the Strait of Georgia where 70-90km/h are forecast. Winds of 40-60km/h are forecast for the evening.
For more ferry information, visit www.bcferries.com and to see the latest local weather forecast, visit www.weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-20_metric_e.html.
READ ALSO: Friday ferry sailings cancelled as gale-force winds expected
karl.yu@nanaimobulletin.com
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