North Island drivers should take extra precaution to navigate safely in wake of worsening weather conditions.
According to Environment Canada, there is a wind warning in effect for coastal communities along North Vancouver Island. “Strong winds that may cause damage are expected or occurring,” Government of Canada’s Dec. 20 post stated.
BC Hydro released a post at 2:09 p.m., having said that today’s “windstorm has caused outages across Vancouver Island,” resulting in a power outage in the majority of Port McNeill. The power has reportedly been out since 1:18 p.m.
“In the wake of this active front, northwest winds 90 gusting to 110 kilometres per hour are developing along the Central Coast – Coast and north Vancouver Island over exposed coastal sections,” Government of Canada’s post continued. “These very strong winds will continue into the early evening before easing off below warning criteria later evening.”
“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage,” the post stated.
One North Island local pointed out that at around 12:00 p.m. Dec. 20, the highway roads between Port Hardy to Port McNeill were snowy when a plough truck made their way through. Another resident commented that there were “trees across the road just outside Coal Harbour.”
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| Stephanie Warford-Getman photo A tree had fallen along Coal Harbour Road on Dec. 20 after wind warnings came into effect. |
The highway between Port Hardy and Port McNeill is a “hot mess,” also commented one resident, also having stated that the highway was riddled with debris, fallen trees and branches, along with pools of slush and water.
A Port Hardy resident commented a tree had fallen nearby Port McNeill. Local police have since responded to the incident.
Between Port McNeill and Woss, one driver reportedly had a boat fall from their boat rack, though it is unconfirmed whether it is due to the heavy rains and high winds.
According to DriveBC’s live updates, there are “high winds between Port Hardy Ferry and Rainbow Rd. for 169.9 km (Port Hardy to 51 km north of Campbell River). Water pooling.” The post was updated as earliest as 9:27 a.m. on Dec. 20.
DriveBC also stated there are also high winds and water pooling along the road driving into Port Alice.
