By Dominic Abassi

The latest: effects of punishing wind storm carry over to Friday morning

Dec 20, 2018 | 5:52 AM

NANAIMO — A nasty wind storm which hammered the Nanaimo region caused widespread damage which is still being felt Friday morning.

This story will be constantly updated as new information comes in. Newest information will be added at the top:

– City reminding people all heavily wooded trails and parks remain closed until crews have a chance to clear debris.

– Caller says northbound traffic on Highway 1 is backing up very badly from the Morden Rd. intersection. Lights are out there and it’s four-way stop causing delays. Unclear what impact this is having on southbound traffic.

– Caller indicates northbound traffic backing up as far as 5km from the Nanoose Petro Can lights all the way to Rumming Rd. area in Lantzville. Lights are out at the Petro Can intersection, so it’s four-way stop. Southbound doesn’t appear to be too bad, caller says.

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– Jingle Pot Rd. remains closed between Andres Rd. and West Rd. Crews are on scene working near West Rd. but trees and lines are still down near Allsop. Jingle Pot is open and clear the rest of the way.

– (1 p.m.) City says no estimated time for restoration of full water services. Staff are preparing contingency plans in the case the treatment plant can’t be put back to full capacity soon. Continue to conserve water as much as possible.

– (11:30 a.m.) RCMP say lights out at Island Highway and Mostar. Reminder to use four-way stop at all unlit intersections.

– The City clearly states it’s asking BUSINESSES and residents alike to strictly limit water use. If you notice a business unnecessarily using water, gently remind them of the situation please.

– The latest with full details from BC Hydro on restoration efforts here.

– The City’s map of road closures from Thursday night is still in effect. Only road situation which changes was Labieux Rd. at Dorman Rd is now open. Shenton Rd. also has one lane open.

– 10 a.m. Friday update from BC Hydro: Nanaimo hardest hit area on Vancouver Island. At peak 30,000 outages at one time. “We know we’re probably not going to have everyone up Friday, there will be some customers that may not have their power restored until Saturday some time.”

Some people in Nanaimo could still be without power until Sunday.

Crews being brought in from Lower Mainland to help.

Typically storms centralized to one area. Cedar/Yellow Point area was hit particularly hard with roads completely covered in tree debris.

“It looks like a field rather than a roadway with all of the debris on the road, I understand we even had to clean all the debris in Cedar.”

– City arenas and pools are closed today due to the water shortage.

– The City is urging people NOT to use any tap water due to a dire supply shortage. The water is safe but supply is dangerously low.

– 12 Nanaimo-Ladysmith schools are closed today and buses are not running across the district.

– Many intersections still do not have power. Drivers are reminded to use four-way stop procedures. Traffic is slow moving in many areas and people should remain patient.

– The City says Bowen Park complex, Beban Park complex, Oliver Woods Community Centre, Nanaimo Ice Centre are closed until further notice due to power outages. All City parks were closed as of 3 p.m. Thursday due to hazardous conditions.

– Many roads remain closed around the region, particularly in heavily treed rural areas. A large section of the middle of Jingle Pot Rd. is closed and many people are either stuck in or out of their homes in the Benson View area.

– Roughly 15,000 Nanaimo customers remain without power as of 9:30 a.m. Friday. Crews are assigned to some but not all of the scenes. Hydro says it is bringing crews in from other areas of the province to help on the island.

– BC Ferries is back on regular schedule and is not dealing with any weather-related issues Friday.

From Thursday:

– More than 20,000 Nanaimo homes without power as of 9:30 p.m. BC Hydro says many will be without power overnight and crews will work non-stop until everyone is restored. Nearly 300,000 customers across B.C.’s south coast are in the dark 

– The City says several roads will remain closed overnight. Updates will come in the morning. The closed roads include: Labieux and Dorman, Hammond Bay and McKinnon, a part of Townsite, the middle section of Jingle Pot, Metral near Re/Max, Biggs and Bates roads – Those supplied water by the North Cedar Improvement District are asked to conserve water supply – SD68 says schools remaining without power at 6 a.m. Friday will be closed for the day. Other schools may open without bus service. Check here or SD68 social media for updates.

– Highway 4 between Parksville and Port Alberni will remain closed all night due to fallen trees.

– Many rural and suburban areas of Nanaimo are choked with fallen trees and many are having difficulty getting home. Trees were reported down and blocking traffic on Jingle Pot, Nanaimo Lakes, Cedar Rd. and many others. Check our comments for updates.

– Due to SD68 stopping bussing, RDN transit says students under the age of 17 can use transit for free to get home from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm today.

– City says Bowen Park complex, Beban Park complex, Oliver Woods Community Centre, Nanaimo Ice Centre are closed until further notice due to power outages. All City parks are also closed.

– Anyone in the Oceanside area who needs assistance can report to the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre for help from an Emergency Support Services team.

If you see something, please send information, pictures or video to info@nanaimonewsnow.com

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