Dozens of power outages were recorded Monday morning, including a major one throughout Oceanside, due to a strong storm which moved through overnight. (BC Hydro)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

POWER OUT

Overnight storm causes widespread power outages through Nanaimo, Oceanside

Apr 4, 2022 | 9:11 AM

NANAIMO — Heavy wind and rain has played havoc on the power grid on Vancouver Island.

Thousands woke up without power on Monday, April 4 as a result of strong winds from an overnight storm.

Major outages were reported south of Nanaimo with roughly 1,200 people affected in the Cedar and Yellow Point regions.

“Storm really hit from Fanny Bay all the way down to Victoria, the Gulf Island got hit really hard,” Ted Olynyk, BC Hydro spokesperson, told NanaimoNewsNOW. “Still a wind warning in a few parts of the Island so there could still be some outages impacting our customers.”

A majority of Qualicum Beach and Nanoose Bay, along with the southern section of Parksville were also without power totalling over 5,500 customers.

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The City of Nanaimo was spared a brunt of the damage, with few recorded outages. The City did report some trees were damaged at May Richards Bennett Pioneer Park, off Dickinson and Schook Rd.

BC Hydro has assigned crews with repairs underway on a priority basis while local fire rescue departments are dealing with multiple lines down calls.

“We got after critical services first, making sure ambulance, police, fire, hospital stations all have power restored as quickly as possible,” Olynyk added. “We try to bring on as many customers as we can at one time, much like you’d expect when they’re clearing roads you’re not going to start with a cul-de-sac you’re going to start with a highway, the big roads, bus routes first.”

Data from Environment Canada showed winds around the 20-25 kilometre per hour range overnight, gusting upwards of 50 kilometres per hour near 8 a.m.

Several portions of the region also reported heavy rainfall after midnight.

Olynyk added preparation is key to get through these storm events.

“Storms don’t end in November, they come throughout the year and we ask our customers to be prepared. Make sure you’ve got your emergency kit, it could be a storm event, it could be an MVA or a natural disaster that brings down power.”

For the latest on BC Hydro outages, visit their outage map on the BC Hydro website.

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