Over 11,000 BC Hydro customers were still without power yesterday in British Columbia after a windstorm swept through the province.
According to the utility, the storm even managed to disrupt the power of some 70,000 homeowners. The most affected were residents in the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, and southern Vancouver Island.
The storm did more than just cut power, however.
The Canadian Press reported that the windstorm managed to partially sink a barge and push to the beach some nine boats in Sewell’s Marina, Horseshoe Bay. The Canadian Coast Guard warned that some used oil and fuel drums were also thrown into the water; and the agency noted that while there was no visible sign of pollution, marina staff have reportedly smelled fuel. The Coast Guard stated that it is ready to assist should the pollution become visible.
Environment Canada has issued a warning that the region is still at risk; the Metro Vancouver area is subject to a special weather statement, with a weaker storm expected to hit soon. The national forecaster also projected about five to 10 centimetres of snow in the region beginning in the afternoon.
