Victoria – Nearly 90,000 homes on Vancouver Island are without power and several ferries cancelled as high winds blast through the area.
Several ferries have been cancelled throughout the day and reports of damage to homes, buildings and roads are continuing to come in.
Most of the outages are on the South Island, according to B.C. Hydro and power might not be back on until 9 p.m. in several areas. Around 8,000 homes in Saanich are without power due to the powerful windstorm. Thousands in Victoria, Oak Bay, Esquimalt and the Western Communities are also affected.
A large Oak tree crashed down on a real estate office on West Saanich Road, closing the road between Elk Lake Drive and Viewmont Avenue.
Another tree fell onto a trailer home at Thetis Lake Trailer Park, causing extensive damage.
Reader Fred Bosma said several boats have been damaged at docks and beaches in Mill Bay.
“Local boat owners are by the beaches and docks assessing the damage as it is occurring and hoping for ways to mitigate further damage, Bosma writes us. “All the while the waves continue to batter the docks and send boats and dock parts and logs adrift.”
In Duncan, a tree down on wires has knocked out power to 2,000.
Due to a power outage, the Mill Bay-Brentwood Bay ferry service has been suspended as of 7:30 a.m. until further notice. Also, the Comox-Powell River ferry is in dock in Comox due to severe weather.
On the lower Mainland and southern Gulf Islands, the Queen of Nanaimo sailings were cancelled – the 06:15 departing Long Harbor and 10:15 departing Tsawwassen.
The noon ferry from Horsehoe Bay to Departure Bay is cancelled and running late. Check B.C. Ferries for the latest cancellation notices: www.bcferries.com
Environment Canada issued a wind warning for Vancouver Island, which will intensify this morning with gusts from 60 to 80 km/h. Low pressure is predicted to move towards the interior, causing more gusts in its wake.
Rain is expected throughout the day. However, Saturday’s forecast includes sun and highs of 10C.
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