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UPDATE: Tree nearly splits Parksville home in half during windstorm

Variety of power outages from Nanoose Bay to Qualicum Bay
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A tree has fallen on this house on Martindale Road causing extensive damage. — Michael Briones photo

A Thursday windstorm continues to wreak havoc along Highway 19A in Parksville Qualicum Beach area.

Branches from trees are strewn all over the road, slowing down traffic as vehicles weave around the fallen debris.

A home on Martindale Road in Parksville suffered extensive damage when a tree crashed on the roof, splitting the house nearly in half.

Duane Round, who lives near the house said, there was nobody inside as it is currently being renovated and gutted out.

“It’s a good thing the renovation was just starting but now it’s a complete writeoff,” said Round, who added that he had a couple of his fences down and endured some of the falling branches.

As a result of strong winds, trees fell on power lines throughout the Parksville Qualicum Beach area on Dec. 20, leaving thousands of residents without power.

Environment Canada shows possible wind gusts of up to 90 km/h. One Errington resident said the weather will quiet and then another major gust of wind will shake trees.

Fire departments in Errington, Nanoose Bay and elsewhere have been responded to hydro troubles, including blown transformers and trees on power lines all day.

RELATED: 100,000 without power due to B.C. wind storm

For BC Hydro’s outage list, go to www.bchydro.com/power-outages/app/outage-map.html.

BC Hydro’s outage page now shows an updated for Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland saying that, “While strong winds continue, crews will assess damage and make repairs where it can be done safely. Until the storm diminishes some specific estimates and restoration times will be difficult.

“All available crews and resources will continue to work until all customers are restored,” it said.

More info to come.

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A tree has fallen on this house on Martindale Road causing extensive damage. - Michael Briones photo