Island-Sity

“This storm is similar to one that hit us last April,” said Ted Olynyk of BC Hydro. “With that storm, we had over 100,000 customers impacted on the south-coast, most on Vancouver Island.”

BC Ferries cancelled several sailings between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island because of the high winds. As of 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, service is slowly beginning to resume, with the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay 3 p.m. ferry scheduled to leave on time. Travelers should continue to check the BC Ferries website or call 1-888-223-3779, as sailings remain weather dependent.

Sarah McLachlan’s Wednesday night concert in Kelowna has been postponed because of the ferry cancellations. Those affected are asked to hold onto their tickets until the show is rescheduled.

Schools in Comox Valley closed on Wednesday morning, due to snowy and wet road conditions and concerns about wind-related power outages.

Grouse Mountain, also closed because of the wind, is expected to reopen at 3:00 p.m.

TransLink is bracing for the storm, though Vancouver transit is running smoothly so far. Spokesman Drew Snider said the main concerns are the Skybridge and above-ground Canada Line stations, which may be hit by debris. The SeaBus hasn’t been closed due to weather in 30 years, but Mr. Snider is ruling nothing out.

Environment Canada is predicting sustained southerly winds of 70 to 80 km/h, with peak gusts of up to 100 km/h for the inner south-coast. Slightly stronger winds are expected to hit west and northern Vancouver Island, with peak gusts between 110-140 km/h developing throughout the morning.

The weather agency expects the winds to slow down by the afternoon in Greater Victoria and Metro Vancouver, lasting well into the evening over the central coast and Northern Vancouver Island.