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Roads closed, 13,000 still without power on south Island in wake of spring wind storm

Race Rocks clocked fastest wind at 93 km/h on Wednesday

Nearly 13,000 hydro customers on the south Island remained without power Thursday morning as crews battle the aftermath of a wind storm Wednesday (May 18). The region covers Duncan south to Victoria and includes the Southern Gulf Islands.

Heavy winds caused a significant number of power outages in the region with falling trees wreaking the most havoc, BC Hydro said. Roads were closed in several communities Wednesday from North Saanich through West Shore and Victoria because of trees and power lines.

Saanich police closed the 4600-block of Cordova Bay Road late Wednesday evening because of a tree on power lines. The 1700-block of Cedar Hill Cross Road remained closed on Thursday morning as crews work to remove a large tree that fell on Wednesday. Saanich police said detours are in place on either side of the closure.

A power line down in Oak Bay also had Foul Bay Road closed to traffic between Fort and Haultain streets Thursday until about 8 a.m.

Peak winds recorded by Weather Canada in the region include 93 km/h at Race Rocks, 81 km/h at Victoria International Airport, Victoria Harbour hit a high of 78 km/h and Trial Island wind was clocked at 81 km/h.

Crews are busy clearing the aftermath and local municipalities are warning residents to be on the lookout for workers and debris.

RELATED: Almost 17,000 without power on southern Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands


 

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