Environment Canada issues wind warning for Victoria, air quality statement for northern B.C.
Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for Greater Victoria and the southern Gulf Islands as southeasterly gusts are expected to reach 90 km/h at times.
The weather office says a frontal system is approaching southern Vancouver Island but will weaken as it moves inland around noon.
"Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur," the warning says. "Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches."
The high winds prompted the cancellation of two major BC Ferries sailings between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island Wednesday.
The 10 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay was cancelled, as was the noon return sailing from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen.
The ferry service says the 2 p.m. departure from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay and the 4 p.m. return sailing from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen are also at risk of cancellation due to the weather.
"Other sailings on this route are expected to proceed as scheduled, due to the sailing parameters of our Coastal Class vessels," BC Ferries said in a service notice.
Travellers are urged to consider using the Tsawwassen-Duke Point (Nanaimo) route as an alternate passage between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.
B.C air quality advisory
Meanwhile, a special air quality statement remains in place for a large section of central and northern B.C.
The advisory was issued Tuesday morning after "high concentrations of coarse particulate matter" were identified around Prince George, the Lakes District, Bulkley Valley, Smithers, Vanderhoof and Houston.
An earlier dust warning was posted on Saturday for the community of Burns Lake, and Environment Canada says all the advisories are expected to remain until there is precipitation, dust suppression or a change in traffic patterns in the region.
Residents are advised to limit their exposure to high-traffic and industrial areas, saying poor air quality is hardest on people with respiratory conditions, pregnant women, seniors and infants.
The B.C. government's air quality index says Prince George, Quesnel and Smithers will reach a level 4 Wednesday, which is considered a moderate risk, before falling to 3, or low risk, by Thursday morning.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
First court appearance for boy and girl charged in death of Halifax 16-year-old
A girl and a boy, both 14 years old, made their first appearance today in a Halifax courtroom, where they each face a second-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old high school student.