Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Vancouver Island, saying strong winds on Monday afternoon and evening could cause damage.
The statement covers all areas near the Strait of Georgia and Juan de Fuca Strait. Northwest winds are expected to gust to 70 kilometres an hour near the Strait of Georgia and west winds will gust to 90 km/h near Juan de Fuca Strait.
According to Environment Canada, the winds are the result of a combination of strong pressure and an unstable air mass and could cause some damage to buildings as well as power outages.
A statement from B.C. Ferries said several sailings between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen could be affected Monday evening if the winds are too strong to sail.
“We are currently monitoring the weather conditions and additional updates will be provided as they become available.”
Salish Eagle sailings from Tsawwassen and terminals on the southern Gulf Islands went ahead as scheduled Monday afternoon, but B.C. Ferries said some evening sailings are still at risk of cancellation.
For the most up-to-date sailing and departure information, check B.C. Ferries @BCFerries or bcferries.com.
B.C. Transit advised customers to allow additional travel time in the event buses must slow down due to weather conditions or debris.
Overnight temperatures are expected to drop to -1 C, prompting the City of Victoria to open a warming centre from 8 p.m. Monday to 8 a.m. Tuesday at St. John the Divine Church, 1611 Quadra St.
As well, the Victoria Cool Aid Society will operate an overnight shelter at its Rock Bay Landing site at 535 Ellice St. from 9 p.m. Monday to 8 a.m. Tuesday, and the Salvation Army will have an overnight shelter at its 525 Johnson St. facility from 8 p.m. Monday to 8 a.m. Tuesday.
People planning to use the Rock Bay Landing shelter are asked to phone ahead to reserve a mat at 250-383-1951.
The temperature overnight Tuesday is expected to drop to -5 C.
