The storm has hit.
As of this publication on Monday afternoon, more than 30,000 residents in Greater Victoria are without power due to high winds.
Across Vancouver Island, the utility company reported over 45,000 outages, with more than 100,000 residents affected throughout BC.
Earlier today, Environment Canada updated its wind warning, stating that winds could persist into Monday evening with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h in the region.
Those planning to travel via BC Ferries should check for updates, as some sailings have been cancelled at various terminals.
Additionally, BC Transit issued a statement indicating that some routes in the Victoria Regional Transit System are being detoured due to fallen branches and downed power lines.
A list of impacted routes can be viewed here.
See also: BC Ferries cancelling some sailings due to wind warning on Vancouver Island
Many are taking to social media reporting incidents of trees falling on power lines in their neighbourhood.
⚠ Wind warning in effect for Victoria today (Monday) until early this evening. Gusts up to 90 km/h are expected.
🧰 Secure loose items around your home & watch for fallen tree limbs & other hazards.
🌦 Greater Victoria weather alerts (Enviro.Canada): https://t.co/aGGCETSK0U#YYJ pic.twitter.com/QAKmVAfWzG— City of Victoria (@CityOfVictoria) November 4, 2024
BC Hydro released a statement Monday saying strong winds and heavy rain have left about 100,000 BC Hydro customers in the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands without power.
The hardest hit areas are Surrey, White Rock, Victoria and Sechelt.
Some of the largest power outages locally were in Langford and Colwood, leaving over 6,000 residents without electricity.
In Metchosin, more than 2,700 were affected, while outages impacted over 1,200 in Central Saanich by noon. More than 1,400 residents in Esquimalt are without hydro.
Highway 14 in Sooke was closed in both directions east of Kangaroo Road, where a fallen tree brought down wires across the roadway.
“BC Hydro has been carefully planning for this storm and has all available BC Hydro crews and contractor crews responding,” said the company.
“After a multi-year drought, vegetation has been weakened across the province, making it more susceptible to wind. As a result, many dead and damaged tress and branches have fallen, causing them to come into contact with BC Hydro’s electrical equipment. Crews are busy repairing damaged power lines, poles and other equipment.”
BC Hydro is reminding people to call 911 and stay at least 10 metres back if you located a downed powerline. BC Hydro crews will work with first responders to make the area safe.
BC Hydro will share updated power restoration estimates as repairs progress at bchydro.com/outages.
Have you lost power in your area? Let us know in the comment section below.
