Environment Canada says a "waterspout" warning is in effect off B.C.'s coast.

The "waterspout" watch was issued Wednesday (Aug. 21) for the Strait of Georgia, the west coast of Vancouver Island and further off the coast of the Island. 

The watch says a trough of low pressure is tracking across Vancouver Island, and "conditions remain favourable for the potential development of waterspouts." It adds wind speeds inside of the spray ring are 45 knots or highers.

Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan said waterspouts happen every year, but mostly in the spring or fall.

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Environment Canada has been tracking waterspouts from 1999 through to 2023, and there is an average of about five per year, he said. 

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Castellan said he hadn't heard any sightings of waterspouts as of Wednesday afternoon, but the reports could come in later. 

He said Environment Canada will put out watches, and most of the time, waterspouts won't occur.

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Environment Canada is urging boaters and other mariners to take all necessary precautions and prepare for possible waterspout activity. Vulnerable vessels could be at risk of damage or capsizing. 

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