Boaters and people on the beach on Vancouver Island should keep their eyes open for rare waterspout activity.
Environment Canada has issued a marine waterspout watch for the south coast of B.C. and the west coast of Vancouver Island.
"For those people that are on the water it is interesting to see we have a waterspout watch on the north and south Strait of Georgia," said meteorologist Armell Castellan.
A waterspout is a whirling column of air and water mist. There are two types of waterspouts, according to the U.S. National Weather Service: tornadic waterspouts and fair-weather waterspouts.
Tornadic waterspouts are tornados that form or move over water. They are associated with thunderstorms and can be accompanied by high winds, hail and lightning. Fair-weather waterspouts form in relatively calm conditions and move little over the water.
The marine watch covers Salish Sea between the southern Gulf Islands and Campbell River, between Nanaimo and Vancouver, and the west coast of Vancouver Island.
"An upper low lingering to the west of Vancouver Island may lead to favourable conditions for the formation of waterspouts," reads the watch.
Anyone out on the water is being advised to postpone voyages if possible.
"Wind speeds inside the spray ring of a waterspout are 45 knots or higher. Vulnerable vessels are at risk of damage or capsizing," reads the watch notice. "Mariners are urged to take all necessary precautions and prepare for the possibility of waterspout activity."
Castellan notes the watch isn't suggesting larger vessels like the mega-yacht in Italy that just sank are in danger but notes it is a caution for smaller vessels, especially with winds creating choppy seas.
"It's not saying we're going to see 56-metre boats get sunk, but it's interesting for mariners," he said.
The National Weather Service says the best way to avoid a waterspout is to move at a 90-degree angle to its apparent movement. Never move closer to investigate a waterspout. Some can be just as dangerous as tornadoes.
Strong wind warnings are also in effect over Juan de Fuca Strait, with forecast to become west five to 15 knots early Wednesday evening, becoming light near midnight and increasing to west 15 to 25 Thursday evening.
On land, a special weather statement has been issued for East Vancouver Island from Nanoose Bay to Campbell River, where local heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected.
A trough of low pressure is expected to bring between 30 and 50 millimetres of rainfall.
The statement said heavy downpours could cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. It is also warning people watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
— With a file from the Times Colonist
