High winds halt Marine Atlantic Cabot Strait ferries

Wind forecasts were high enough Monday for Marine Atlantic to halt sailings between Nova Scotia and southern Newfoundland.

The Crown corporation said it would cease operations after its ferries arrived in port, citing Environment Canada forecasts that expected winds in the Cabot Strait area to top 100 km/h and waves to crest as high as nine metres.

"Given the proximity to Christmas, this is a difficult time of the year for delays, but our first priority is the safety of our customers and crew," Marine Atlantic communications manager Tara Laing said in a statement.

Weather forced Marine Atlantic to ground its ferries for more than two days, delaying travellers as well as the shipment of mail, food and other goods headed for stores in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Laing said the weather could definitely prevent some travellers from getting home for Christmas.

"Unfortunately, if the weather system follows current modeling, and our vessels remain in port for an extended period, we will not be able to transport all of our reserved customers prior to Christmas Day," she said.

Marine Atlantic said customers should check with the company's website before heading to terminals in North Sydney, N.S., or Port aux Basques, N.L.

The corporation said it will close terminals as soon as they reach capacity.