Environment Canada is warning residents of northern Vancouver Island and the province’s central coast of strong winds Tuesday evening.
Southeasterly winds are expected to pick up late Boxing Day, gusting from 60 km/h up to 120 km/h over exposed coastal sections.
The winds are expected to persist overnight before easing around noon Wednesday.
“Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage,” said Environment Canada in its warning posted Tuesday morning.
“High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches.”
Widespread power outages
BC Hydro is already contending with sweeping power outages on Boxing Day.
Overnight windstorms left as many as 28,000 BC Hydro customers without power, ranging from Vancouver Island to the Sunshine Coast, to the Lower Mainland and the Gulf Islands.
Many people had their power restored overnight, but more than 10,000 people were still in the dark Tuesday morning.
BC Hydro expects most customers to have power back online sometime on Boxing Day.
“Crews are currently performing a helicopter patrol to assess the damage in the Zeballos area and all available crews are working to restore power to all remaining customers without power,” said BC Hydro in an update around noon.
“We will provide additional updates as they become available. We understand outages are disruptive and appreciate your patience.”
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With files from the Canadian Press
Adam Chan
