Strong winds cause thousands of power outages across the province

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Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a special weather warning for East Vancouver Island and other parts of the province due to the forecasted high-speed winds.

The warning is in effect for Courtenay to Campbell River, and Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay near the Strait of Georgia.

The southeast winds are expected to be between 60 to 80 km/h and may result in power outages and fallen tree branches.

It is expected to last into Thursday afternoon.

This warning comes a day after BC Hydro was warning of a challenging storm season due to the drought conditions.

The company said the drought may have weakened structural roots of trees which may make them more susceptible to wind.

As of 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 27, BC Hydro says there are 10,000 customers in the province without power.

  • Vancouver Island, North: 166 customers without power
  • Vancouver Island, South: 700 customers without power
  • Central Interior: 629 customers without power
  • Lower Mainland/Sunshine Coast: 2,814 customers without power
  • Northern: 2,988 customers without power
  • Okanagan/Kootenay: 15 customers without power
  • Thompson/Shuswap: 3,061 customers without power

Updates on power outages on Oct. 28 can be found here.

READ MORE: Drought conditions lead BC Hydro to warn of challenging storm season

BC Ferries also had to make adjustments due to the wind, with two Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay sailings being cancelled.

Laura BroughamLaura Brougham

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