Car lights were the only real source of illumination across much of downtown Nanaimo during the peak of a wind storm which blew through Tuesday, Nov. 19. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

wind storm

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Nov 20, 2024 | 7:29 AM

NANAIMO — Wind gusts in excess of 170 kilometres per hour hit parts of the B.C. coast overnight as a strong storm system came as advertised.

Close to 40,000 BC Hydro customers remain without power as of early Wednesday, Nov. 20 with outages beginning around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday night and continuing to mount despite the best efforts from repair crews.

Roughly 19,000 customers in the Nanaimo region remain down due to trees or branches across lines, or lines being downed as a result of the winds.

Environment Canada reports wind speeds peaked at 104 kilometres per hour at Entrance Island, off Gabriola Island. Nanaimo Airport saw a maximum of 69 kilometres per hour.

Sartine Island, off the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island, had the strongest winds recorded at 170 kilometres per hour, which is equal to a category two hurricane.

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Solander Island, west of northern Vancouver Island, hit speeds of 137 kilometres per hour while Ballenas Island near Nanoose Bay was recorded at 109 kilometres per hour and Sisters Island near Qualicum Beach was at 113 kilometres per hour.

Tree debris was littered all over the roadways throughout Nanaimo, blown down overnight from a strong wind storm. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

School District 68 announced their decision to close a handful of schools due to the power situation, with Seaview, Ecole Hammond Bay, Cilaire, McGirr and Gabriola Elementary schools all close, along with all schools in Cedar, North Oyster and Ladysmith.

Nanaimo Christian School is also closed Wednesday, while all schools in SD69 are open, according to the District.

City of Nanaimo is advising people to stay away from all treed parks Wednesday morning until crews have had the opportunity to survey any damage.

It notes gated parks will remain closed until inspections have been completed.

DriveBC reports Hwy. 4 between Errington and Port Alberni remains closed as a result of debris on the road and several accidents which occurred Tuesday evening.

Another closure is also in effect between Port Alberni and Tofino/Ucluelet.

Conditions along Hwy. 19, according to early morning travellers, are not ideal with areas of pooling water and debris on the road.

Travellers are advised to remain home unless they need to go out.

Despite losing power throughout much of the night, some properties in the downtown remained lit up. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

BC Ferries says sailings between Nanaimo, from both Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay, and the Lower Mainland will resume Wednesday at 10:40 a.m. after being cancelled for most of the morning.

A planned 6:15 a.m. sailing from Departure Bay did not sail, neither will its return trip from Horseshoe Bay at 8:25 a.m.

The first two crossings between Duke Point and Tsawwassen at 5:15 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. were also cancelled, but a BC Ferries update as of 9:30 a.m., saying improved conditions will allow them to resume sailings starting at 10:15 a.m.

Port Place Shopping Centre was dark throughout much of Tuesday, Nov. 19, along with a majority of downtown Nanaimo. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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