Thousands of customers were without power on Vancouver Island on Wednesday morning.
A powerful wind and rain storm resulted in trees down in numerous locations knocking out power to more than 3,000 B.C. Hydro customers in the south Island, including Oak Bay, Saanich Peninsula, Duncan, as well as the Gulf Islands.
More than 1,000 are also without power on the north Island including Campbell River, Comox, Courtenay, and Sayward.
A wind warning has ended for the Island, but a special weather statement warning of higher-than-usual waves is in place for the west coast.
Environment Canada says waves and pounding surf are expected to produce water levels 50 to 60 centimetres above the normal highest tide along the coast from mid to late morning.
"The combined effect may push water and debris into low-lying areas and parking lots, especially at locations that have been prone to impacts during similar events in the past," the statement says. "Beach-goers can be swept into the ocean near rocky outcrops. Powerful waves can roll logs and heavy debris along the beach."
The area of the alert includes Tofino to Clo-oose, including Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Vehicle space on B.C. Ferries sailings between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen are booked through to the afternoon after several sailings were cancelled on Tuesday evening due to high winds. As of 8:55 a.m., the next sailing with vehicle space from Swartz Bay was the 3 p.m. departure, while the next Tsawwassen sailing with vehicle space was at 5 p.m.
