The week got off to a stormy start today, as winds gusting up to 100 kilometres per hour cancelled ferries and caused massive power outages across the region.
At its peak, B.C. Hydro reported more than 3,000 of its customers were without power in Saanich, with Cordova Bay and Gordon Head the hardest hit. Classes were cancelled for the day at Claremont secondary, due to the power loss, which was restored there around 10 a.m.
All of B.C. Ferries’ sailings to and from Swartz Bay were cancelled in the morning and early afternoon, with first boat of the day heading out around 3 p.m. Travel on the roads was also hindered by the weather.
Saanich police Sgt. Dean Jantzen is reminding drivers to take care at intersections where lights continue to be out, in addition to other hazards caused by the high winds.
“Trees into houses. Trees across roads. Hydro wires down. Shaw wires down. Telus lines down. It’s anything you can think of and it’s all over the place,” Jantzen said. “It’s everywhere.”
Environment Canada says high winds aren’t forecast for the rest of the week, though rain is expected to continue until at least the weekend.
nnorth@saanichnews.com