A tree fell on Hwy 19A around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday morning slowing traffic and taking out a power line, putting around 3,100 BC Hydro customers in the dark. (Submitted/Erin Tee)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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Downed tree causes highway closure & significant power outage in Qualicum Beach

Jan 31, 2024 | 9:30 AM

QUALICUM BEACH — A downed power line caused by a falling tree has closed the highway and left over 3,000 properties without power early Wednesday morning.

According to BC Hydro, a large tree fell and took a power line with it along Hwy. 19A just south of the Qualicum Beach village core, near Milner Gardens, around 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31.

BC Hydro’s Ted Olynyk told NanaimoNewsNOW said crews are currently on scene working to restore power.

“We had about four spans of wire come down when the tree hit the line in the Qualicum area. We were able to get half of the customers back on, we’re still down to about 1,800 customers, but because of the damage, we’re not going to be able to get everyone on until about 2:30 p.m. today once we finish the work.”

As a result, Hwy. 19A in Qualicum Beach between Qualicum Rd. and Village Way was closed Wednesday morning to accommodate crews working to remove the tree and restore service.

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Detours are in place at Hemsworth Rd. to the north and Village Way to the south as a result.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

A downed power line caused by a falling tree affected over 3,000 BC Hydro customers in Qualicum Beach Wednesday morning. (BC Hydro)

Olynyk said the trees and vegetation on Vancouver Island are a bit more vulnerable at the moment due to prolonged drought conditions.

“We do our vegetation work and maintain the system to try and reduce the impact of trees, but we know with the extreme conditions trees are facing, that it’s going to be a lot easier for some of them to fail.”

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