Strong winds have caused widespread power outages across the Okanagan, leaving thousands of residents without electricity. The gusts, which reached speeds of up to 70 km/h, knocked down power lines and damaged equipment, resulting in disruptions to the region’s power supply.
According to BC Hydro, the outages began around 9:30 am on Tuesday and affected customers in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, and Lake Country. Crews have been working tirelessly to restore power, but as of 3:00 pm, approximately 5,000 customers were still without electricity.
The strong winds also caused damage to trees and buildings, with reports of fallen branches and debris scattered throughout the area. In some cases, the damage was severe enough to block roads and cause traffic delays.
BC Hydro has advised residents to stay at least 10 meters away from any downed power lines and to report them immediately by calling 911. They also remind customers to never touch or attempt to move a fallen power line, as it could still be energized and pose a serious safety risk.
The utility company is working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible, but they warn that some customers may experience extended outages due to the extent of the damage. They have also brought in additional crews from other regions to assist with the restoration efforts.
In the meantime, residents are advised to prepare for the possibility of an extended outage by having a well-stocked emergency kit and a plan in place for alternative sources of heat and light.
BC Hydro has not provided an estimated time for when power will be fully restored, but they assure customers that they are working diligently to resolve the issue. Updates on the outages can be found on their website and social media channels.
The strong winds are expected to continue throughout the day, and residents are advised to use caution when traveling and to secure any loose objects on their property. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
