WEDNESDAY MORNING UPDATE:
BC Hydro: “Crews continue to make progress since the windstorm hit last night, restoring nearly 200,000 customers. However, with strong winds expected again today, we do anticipate additional outages. All of our crews are working around the clock until all power is restored. For the latest information, visit bchydro.com/outages”
BC Hydro said on Tuesday night that high winds have caused extensive damage to its system and outages to over 180,000 customers in the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast and on Vancouver Island.
“Crews will continue to work throughout the night to make repairs and restore power. High winds and access challenges may have work taking longer than anticipated in some areas,” it said on X.
“The latest restoration updates are at bchydro.com/outages. If you see a downed power line, remember to stay at least 10 metres back and call 911.”
MEANWHILE, the Transportation and Transit Ministry said that a significant fall storm is impacting Vancouver Island. Downed power lines, debris and fallen trees have resulted in multiple highway closures on the island.
Drivers are advised to avoid travel for the remainder of Tuesday night, November 19, and into the morning of Wednesday, November 20.
Highways closed include:
- Highway 4 from Highway 4A (Errington) to Port Alberni, and from Port Alberni to Tofino/Ucluelet junction
- Highway 14 west of Sooke
- Highway 18 at Hillcrest
- Highway 28 from Gold River to Campbell River
- Pacific Marine Circle Route
Drivers can expect additional closures as the storm moves through. Environment Canada warns that strong southeasterly winds will continue throughout the night and into Wednesday morning but should ease late in the day on Wednesday.
As soon as its safe to do so, maintenance contractors will begin clearing debris, and BC Hydro is prioritizing repairs to the many power outages across the island.
For additional updates, drivers can check:Â https://www.drivebc.ca
