Christmas Day storm: Warnings issued, BC Ferries sailings may be cancelled

On December 25, 2024By Littum

BC’s south coast residents can expect a storm to sweep ashore on Christmas Day.

Precipitation warnings have been issued for Metro Vancouver and Howe Sound with rain expected to start around noon on December 25th.

During the afternoon on Christmas Day, the weather system will bring heavy rain. Over higher terrain, above 300 meters in elevation, a short period of wet snow could result in slippery conditions, Environment Canada said.

Wind warnings have also been issued for these areas, including the Sunshine Coast and eastern Vancouver Island.

Global BC meteorologist Mark Madryga said very strong winds and rain are expected to hit the region.

In Metro Vancouver, southeast winds are likely to gust up to 80 km/h, especially near the Strait of Georgia, in the late morning and afternoon and evening, Madryga added.

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Early on Boxing Day, a low pressure system will approach southern Vancouver Island, but Madryga said there is still some uncertainty about the path.

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Current guidance suggests the storm will track through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Madryga added, and as a result, the strongest winds and heavy rainfall will likely be confined to BC’s south coast.

The low pressure center that brought strong winds to the South Coast Monday night has moved north to the Central Coast Tuesday morning and will move into northern B.C. Tuesday afternoon.

The wind will steadily decrease throughout the morning.

Below is a look at the highest gusts as of 9 a.m. Tuesday.

A look at the highest gusts on BC’s south coast from 9 on Tuesdays.

Global SkyTracker

BC Ferries is also warning of possible cancellations due to the expected storm.

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The following sailings between Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) and Departure Bay (Nanaimo) are at risk of cancellation on December 25 due to Environment Canada’s severe weather forecast for strong winds and waves in the Strait of Georgia and North Vancouver Island.

Sailings with risk of cancellation:
10:40 departing from Departure Bay
10:40am departing from Horseshoe Bay
13.00 with departure from Departure Bay
13.00 departure Horseshoe Bay
15:20 departing from Departure Bay
15.45 departs Horseshoe Bay
17:55 departing from Departure Bay
18:35 departs Horseshoe Bay
20.05 with departure from Horseshoe Bay
20:45 departing from Departure Bay
22:10 departing from Horseshoe Bay
22:10 departing from Departure Bay