In a tweet, the Butchart Gardens announced it is closing for the day due to heavy winds and power outages.
The tourist attraction will remain closed through the evening for the safety of visitors and staff.
The storm has knocked out power to more than 100,000 customers on Vancouver Island. Environment Canada is calling this the worst wind storm on Vancouver Island since August 2015.
December 20 2:45 PM closure notice: please be advised that due to heavy winds and power outages, we are now closed and will remain closed through the evening for the safety of visitors and staff. Planning on visiting this weekend? Please call tomorrow for updates 250-652-4422. pic.twitter.com/eYNm2UiqSm
— The Butchart Gardens (@butchartgardens) December 20, 2018
Environment Canada has issued a wind warning got the entire island Thursday morning, with wind gusts expected to reach 100 km/h on the west coast.
An intense storm will track across BC today. Several wind warnings in effect for the Coast, Heavy snowfall for the highway passes & NE BC, and Special Weather Statement for winds across Interior. Full details here: https://t.co/CEj8mRIlcF #BCstorm pic.twitter.com/xeuk8YxEr9
— ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) December 20, 2018