As Vancouver Island braces for its first large storm of the fall, hundreds of residents are dealing with power outages on Wednesday morning.
Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for the majority of Vancouver Island stating that a series of “vigorous frontal systems” are expected for Wednesday and Thursday, resulting in periods of heavy rain and strong winds.
READ MORE: Heavy rain and strong winds expected for Vancouver Island
According to BC Hydro’s website, one of the largest power outages is on Quadra Island, with 812 customers affected, the cause still under investigation.
Another large power outage is taking place on North Pender Island with 435 customers in the dark due to a fallen wire.
Trees have fallen on two lines in the Lower Mainland, one in Saanichton and one in Sidney, leaving dozens of residents out of power.
On Saturna Island, the majority of residents are left in the dark with 561 customers affected. BC Hydro’s website says the cause of the outage is due to a fire and crews are on-site working to restore power.
The Saturna Island Volunteer Fire Department says the fire took place at the local community-run “Free Store” and was put out Wednesday morning.
There are various other power outages across the Island still under investigation including Mayne Island, Shawnigan Lake, and Nanaimo.
As a result of the weather, DriveBC has also issued a caution to Vancouver Island drivers who might be using the Malahat this morning. DriveBC has indicated there is heavy rainfall between Shawnigan Lake Rd and Mill Bay Rd, spanning for about 5 kilometres along the Malahat summit.
Wednesday night and Thursday, Environment Canada adds that unsettled conditions could carry a risk of thunderstorms across the region as well.
Rebecca Lawrence
