The bomb cyclone affecting Vancouver Island has caused widespread highway closures due to extreme weather, including heavy rainfall and powerful winds. The bomb cyclone has brought some of the strongest winds of the season to Vancouver Island.
According to Environment Canada, North Vancouver Island has faced the harshest conditions, with winds on Sartine Island reaching 170 km/h, followed by Solander Island at 137 km/h, and East Vancouver Island, which has experienced winds of 113 km/h at Sisters Island and 109 km/h at Ballenas Island.
Race Rocks in Greater Victoria recorded gusts of 113 km/h, while Discovery Island saw 96 km/h. The average wind gust around Greater Victoria is 88.6 km/h.
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Emergency Management BC and the BC Ministry of Transportation have issued travel advisories urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay informed of the rapidly changing conditions. BC Ferries has cancelled over 50 sailings today.
The storm has disrupted several critical routes around Vancouver Island, and downed trees, power outages, and flooding are reported in many areas.
Highway Closures on Vancouver Island
- Highway 4: Closed in both directions from Errington to Port Alberni and Port Alberni to Tofino and Ucluelet.
- Highway 14: Between Deering Road and Woodhaven Road west of Sooke.
- Highway 28: Both directions at Detweiler Road and from Gold River to Campbell River.
- Highway 19: Both directions between Campbell Way and Sayward Road (128.8 km stretch).
- Coal Harbour Road: Closed both directions between Highway 19 and Harbour Road.
- Highway 30: Full closure of the 35.9 km stretch from the start to the end of Highway 30.
- Canal Road: Closure at Mount Norman Access Road
Safety Measures
- Stay updated: Follow official channels such as EmergencyInfoBC and DriveBC for real-time updates.
- Prepare for emergencies: Keep emergency kits ready, including food, water, flashlights, and communication devices.
- Avoid travel: Roads remain hazardous, and ongoing efforts are being made to clear debris and manage floodwaters.
For further updates and advisories, visit EmergencyInfoBC or DriveBC.