Vancouver Island windstorm: Hundreds lose power as winds expected to reach 120km/h
CTV
Hundreds of BC Hydro customers on Vancouver Island and the B.C. Gulf Islands are without power Thursday as a windstorm wreaks havoc across the region.
Approximately 400 residents and businesses between Coal Harbour and Port Hardy, on northern Vancouver Island, lost power due to trees down across hydro lines early Thursday morning.
To the east, more than 1,200 residents of Alert Bay and Sointula lost hydro service just before 9 a.m.
Work crews have been assigned to both outages and updates are expected throughout the day.
Environment Canada says southeast winds are expected to reach gusts of 120 km/h on the North Island and Haida Gwaii through to Friday morning.
Exposed coastal areas are especially at risk of damage caused by downed trees and debris.
Eastern and western Vancouver Island are also under wind warnings Thursday as an "intense low-pressure system" moves through the region.
The Greater Victoria area will remain largely protected from the worst of the windstorm, though strong gusts are still expected along coastal areas.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
