Residents from Roberts Creek to the District of Sechelt are feeling the brunt of an intense low-pressure system sweeping through the region, with strong winds causing power outages.
Trees fell on BC Hydro wires at approximately 7:40 a.m. Oct. 13, cutting power to more than 3,000 BC Hydro customers from Roberts Creek to the outskirts of Sechelt on both sides of Highway 101, according to BC Hydro. As of 9:40 a.m. Tuesday crews were on site to repair the damage.
Downed power lines as a result of the strong winds also affected about 245 customers in Halfmoon Bay, southwest of Highway 101.
The weather system began sweeping over Vancouver Island early Tuesday morning, with southeasterly winds between 50 to 70 kilometres per hour and gusting to 90 kilometres per hour across Georgia Strait, according to an Environment Canada wind warning issued at 5 a.m.
Later Tuesday morning the wind direction was expected to “shift rapidly” to westerly or southwesterlies, with gusts approaching 90 kilometres per hour.
“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break. Avoid wooded areas to prevent injury from falling trees or branches. Campers should move to sturdy shelters,” said the Environment Canada warning statement.
The weather system is expected to ease by early evening.
Severe weather reports can be sent to [email protected] and updates to BC Hydro power outages can be found at: https://www.bchydro.com/power-outages/app/outage-list.html
