With at least four homes impacted by the overnight storm, Sooke deployed its Emergency Support Services team as residents also faced school and traffic delays Wednesday (Nov. 20) morning.
Trees and branches downed power lines on Highway 14 prompting lane closures for the 10 km from Charters Road to Kangaroo Road throughout the day, according to Drive BC. Non-essential travel was not recommended due to the significant amount of debris on the highway.
The significant fall storm that hit Tuesday evening continued into Wednesday morning with strong southeasterly winds peaking in the morning and easing later in the day.
Sooke residents are encouraged to report fallen trees or other storm-related hazards on local roads, parks, and trails online at sooke.ca/provide-feedback or by calling 250-642-1634.
Sooke advised residents to avoid treed areas, parks, and trails at this time, as numerous hazards, including falling branches and unstable trees, are expected. Downed power lines should be considered live and extremely dangerous, the district said, reminding residents to stay at least 10 meters away and call 911.
About 90,000 Vancouver Island Hydro customers woke without power and ferries to the Lower Mainland cancelled across the board Wednesday morning.
More than 175,000 customers had power restored – or nearly two-thirds of the more than 272,000 originally impacted across the province, BC Hydro said in a 6:30 a.m. update for Nov. 20.
Students at Belmont in Langford started the day with emergency power, but classes continued as usual, according to the Sooke School District.
“Belmont Secondary is currently without power but will open as scheduled as we anticipate the return of power this morning. Emergency lighting is in place, and bus services will run as usual for registered students,” SD62 said in an update.
Several school bus routes were delayed or cancelled with notification going out to affected families.
Classes at Hans Helgesen, John Muir and Saseenos elementary schools opened late due to power outages, with notification sent to impacted families. Those unable to keep students at home until power was restored could drop their kids off at Sooke Elementary for supervision where SD 62 made space and staff available.
