Although the windstorm may have passed, the power outages continue.
BC Hydro issued a news release at 5 p.m. stating that the Southern Interior is one of the hardest hit regions in B.C., meaning some customers in some areas, including the Shuswap, will remain without power.
“Due to the extent of damage in some areas, customers in the hardest hits areas should prepare to be without power overnight. This includes customers in Chase, Sicamous, Salmon Arm, Dawson Creek and 100 Mile House,” BC Hydro states.
Today's windstorm caused extensive outages, particularly in #ChaseBC, #SalmonArm, #Sicamous & #Kamloops. We anticipate customers out overnight in these areas, including #100MileHouse. Crews will be working around the clock & additional resources are arriving to assist. #BCStorm
— BC Hydro (@bchydro) October 26, 2019
Strong winds caused widespread damage to hydro’s electrical system in multiple regions of the province, resulting in outages to about 120,500 customers. The high winds caused branches and trees to break and come in contact with BC Hydro’s electrical equipment.
Hydro says the hardest hit areas are the Southern Interior, Lower Mainland and northern Vancouver Island. A snow storm in the Peace region also caused damage and resulted in outages to customers in Dawson Creek, Chetwynd and Smithers.
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Although crews are continuing to work to repair damaged equipment, including power lines, power poles and transformers, the damage may be too extensive to repair tonight. BC Hydro says all available resources will continue to work throughout the evening and overnight to safely restore power.
Hydro is still receiving reports of downed power lines. A downed power line is considered an emergency and members of the public should stay at least 10 metres back and call 911 immediately.
BC Hydro states it appreciates its customers’ patience as repair work continues. Updated estimates for power restoration will be provided as they become available at bchydro.com/outages.
@SalmonArmmarthawickett@saobserver.netLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
