A special weather warning is still in effect for the Sunshine Coast as of Monday morning, Oct. 25, as strong winds are still being felt felt and the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) warns trail users to be cautious.
In a weather summary from late Oct. 24, Environment Canada said a rapidly deepening cyclone approached waters off the southern B.C. coast on Saturday night. A frontal system associated with the cyclone caused winds on Sunday and into Monday.
The weather warning includes exposed coastal sections of East Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, as well as Texada, Quadra, Denman and Hornby islands, where winds were expected to peak on Monday.
Strong southeasterly winds up to 70 kilometres per hour with gusts up to 90 km/h are expected to continue into the early evening. A low pressure centre is predicted to weaken and move on shore.
Environment Canada warns that the winds may move loose objects and cause trees to break.
BC Hydro also issued a regional alert for the Sunshine Coast, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Thousands on the Sunshine Coast lost power on Oct. 24, from Gibsons to Egmont. In Sechelt, more than 10,000 residences experienced power outages due to trees falling on wires.
As of mid-morning on Oct. 25, more than 1,500 residences on the Coast were still affected. Crews were working to restore power to Gambier and Bowen islands on Monday morning.
BC Hydro’s regional alerts said repairs to power in parts of the coastal areas were made more difficult with BC Ferries cancelling a number of routes on Monday morning.
Cliff Gilker Park in Roberts Creek remains closed, after a hazard tree was found hanging above power lines and the main access road on Thursday, Oct. 21. The public is urged to remain clear of the area, and not block access to the park so that crews can go in to clear the tree.
The SCRD is also cautioning trail users after reports of downed trees, debris and high water levels in creeks. Any trails closed for safety will be marked. Anyone who sees a downed tree on an SCRD trail is asked to call 604-885-6802.
