A fierce windstorm has knocked out power for thousands of residents on Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and the southern Interior of B.C.
The easterly moving storm first hit Vancouver Island, where around 13,000 customers were without power by 2:30 a.m. PT, with thunder and lightning waking many residents on the south end of the island.
But while power was quickly restored to most affected areas, the storm moved over the Sunshine Coast and Lower Mainland where, as of 1 p.m. PT, over 48,000 customers had been left without power with trees coming down in several communities.





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Anita Bathe 
✔@anitabathe

12:55 PM - 14 Oct 2016








Darryl Skipworth @darrylskipworth

12:53 PM - 14 Oct 2016

At least one school on the North Shore, Sherwood Park Elementary, was reporting a delayed opening because of a power outage.
Lightning on the south coast of B.C.
Thunder and lightning hit the south end of Vancouver Island on Friday morning. (Environment Canada)
Traffic was also jammed on Highway 1 in Metro Vancouver after a fatal crash closed the Barnett Highway for much of the morning commute.
As of 1 p.m. PT, there were no BC Ferries cancellations, but all vessels en route to their destinations between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen and Duke Point to Tsawwassen were being held because of high winds. 

Wind warnings still in effect

Wind warnings issued by Environment Canada remain in effect as the storm continues to pass over the region.
"As the low approaches, the wind will increase from the southeast along the west coast of Vancouver Island peaking at 100 km/h early this morning," said the warning.
"East Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound near Bowen Island, the Southern Gulf Islands and Metro Vancouver regions will see their winds from the southeast increase up to 80 km/h.

"As the low moves across the South Coast, the winds will veer to the southwest at 40 km/h, gusting to 80 km/h beginning Friday morning over west Vancouver Island, midday through inland Vancouver Island and progressing eastward reaching Metro Vancouver by Friday afternoon.
"Port Alberni will see its strongest winds from the southwest gusting to 90 km/h with the passage of the low."
The strong winds will ease this afternoon before the next powerful storm arrives late Saturday.