Ferries cancelled, thousands without power, high avalanche risk as winter storm blasts B.C.

Winds gusting up to 100 km/h, high sea levels on coast; heavy snow further inland

Winds are expected to gust up to 100 km/h on Tuesday along some parts of southwestern British Columbia as winter storms trigger ferry cancellations, power outages and avalanche warnings.

Wind warnings are in place for west Vancouver Island, Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands. Environment Canada has also issued a special weather statement for higher than usual ocean levels for shorelines along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, including Sooke and Victoria, with similar conditions expected near Boundary Bay in Metro Vancouver.

Ocean levels exceeding the highest astronomical tide are expected and could cause some coastal flooding, the forecaster said.