B.C. Ferries has cancelled two sailings between Comox and Powell River tonight due to a windstorm expected to lash much of Vancouver Island today.
The 7:10 p.m. departure from Comox and the 8:45 p.m. sailing from Powell River aboard the Salish Orca have been scrubbed.
“We are currently monitoring the weather conditions and additional updates will be provided as they become available,” B.C. Ferries said in a statement Thursday morning.
Big winds are set to blow through Greater Victoria, the southern Gulf Islands and the western and eastern coasts as well as the North Island today. B.C. Hydro was already dealing with power outages on the west coast Thursday morning.
Environment Canada said a strong low-pressure system over the Pacific Ocean will bring winds ranging from 70 to 90 kilometres per hour near the Strait of Georgia late this afternoon and overnight into Friday.
Strong wind gusts will reach near 100 km/h for western coastal regions of Tofino and Ucluelet from late afternoon. Gusts are expected to drop to 50 to 60 km/h later into the night.
The low pressure system will whip up winds on the North Island to 90 km/h, gusting to 110 km/h over exposed coastal sections early this evening. The strong winds will weaken overnight as the low departs.
The federal agency said the winds could cause damage to buildings, such as roof shingles and windows, and might toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break.
Some areas could see power outages.
B.C. Hydro said about 2,300 customers were without power in Tofino and surrounding areas from 8:40 a.m. and crews were on site.
