Sooke School District 62 are reporting that several schools are closed due to ongoing power outages Monday morning, as a result of the windstorm.
Parents are welcome to pick up their children but schools will stay open and staffed for any students who may need to remain.
The following schools are closed in the West Shore:
- Dunsmuir
- Lakewood
- Royal Bay
- Sangster
- Spencer
- Willway
The following schools are closed in Sooke:
- EMCS
- Journey
- Poirier
- Saseenos
Morning students at Royal Bay and EMCS can be picked up from school at the usual time, however, afternoon classes are cancelled.
The school district is asking parents who picking up students to wait outside, wear a mask and maintain social distancing.
End of day or after school busing will run at the usual times.
A wild, windy morning on Vancouver Island cancelled multiple ferry sailings and knocked out power to thousands of customers.
Environment Canada reported wind warnings with gusts of up to 70 km/h in Victoria, and up to 100 km/h on the West Island. They cautioned that the blustery conditions could cause tree branches to break and toss loose debris and items.
BC Hydro reported multiple outages affecting thousands of customers in Sooke, Parksville, Metchosin and Colwood. Some of the outages were still under investigation, but at least 15,000 households lost power directly because of wires being knocked down by high winds.
The windy conditions are expected to abate by the afternoon.
With files from Tim Ford
