Trees downed on power lines are a major contributor to seasonal power outages during storm events, however BC Hydro are proactive in their work to minimize damage. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

be ready

First winter snow dump timely reminder ahead of stronger storm season

Dec 6, 2021 | 5:14 PM

NANAIMO — The weather on Vancouver Island has been a real soup of drought, intense heat and rain events, with an early dump of wet snow added to the mix.

This combination can lead to dry and weakened trees breaking with the additional weight from an overnight snowstorm.

BC Hydro spokesperson Ted Olynyk said the record hot, dry spring and summer put a lot of stress on Island vegetation.

“That extreme stress carries out through the fall. Wouldn’t take much to bring them down now and winds can bring them down. The soil is affected, the ability of the trees to hold roots and stay firm in the ground during a major event.”

Trimming back vegetation is one of the key pieces of preventative measures have taken in order to minimize the potential impact of downed power lines through the winter months.

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Olynyk added Hydro crews were proactive in the summer and early fall to harden the system.

“We’re adding re-closures to help bring systems back on quicker and we’re trying to isolate areas so that way if one area is impacted we can isolate them and bring power back on to an area that would be impacted otherwise.”

Climate change increases these issues as storms which are usually due once every hundred years are occurring more and more frequently.

Olynyk said they have to make yearly adjustments on how best to protect the power supply based on what Mother Nature throws at them, which is becoming increasingly harder to predict.

“It’s making these adjustments and unfortunately they cost money and it’s something we have to do to make sure we keep the lights on for our customers.”

Monday’s snow event just brushed by Nanaimo, with other areas of Vancouver Island and the mainland receiving larger snowfalls.

Regardless, the winter warning is again pushing officials to drive a message of preparation home ahead of the ever-forecasted “big one”, whether an earthquake, storm or other natural disasters.

“This snowstorm…went over Courtney and north and hit them pretty hard compared to us. We’re fortunate right now, but anything can change. It’s always up to Mother Nature, she has the last word and all we can do is respond.”

Having a stocked 72-hour emergency kit for your home in the event of a major storm or earthquake is the number one recommendation.

An emergency kit for your vehicle with similar items is also a good idea in the event you find yourself stranded on the side of the road or in a ditch.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow