Power out, schools closed in Vancouver Island snow storm

Heavy snowfall across much of Vancouver Islandhas many schools declaring Monday a snow day.

Environment Canada has issued snowfall warnings formuch of the island including Campbell River, Comox, Courtenay andNanaimo where up to 15 centimetres is expected to fall.

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The following schools have already announced closures due to weather conditions:

• Cowichan Valley District 79 is closed
• Gulf Islands District 64is closed
• Comox Valley District 71is closed
• Campbell River District 72is closed
• Nanaimo-Ladysmith District 68 (Pro-Dday activities cancelled)
• Qualicum District 69 is open, but bus service is cancelled
• Discover Montessori campuses in Nanaimo and Parksvilleare closed
• Vancouver Island University campuses are closed

Power outages caused by storm

As of 11 a.m. PT on Monday,nearly 18,000 BC Hydro customers on Vancouver Islandwere without power due to poor weather conditions.

BC Hydro spokeswoman Simi Heer said several full feeders and portions of feeders were out-of-service, and that workers trying to restore service were being slowed down by icy and snow-covered roads.

Some of the hardest hit communities included Campbell River,Courtenay, Duncan and NorthCowichan,Nanaimo, the Highlands,PenderandSaturnaIslands, and PortAlberni.

BC Hydro customers without power at11 a.m.

Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands

• Nanaimo 4,100
• Duncan 5,400
• Salt Spring Island 4,000
• Courtenay 750
• Victoria 1,100
• Port Alberni 483
• Campbell River 450
• Saturna Island 500
• Galiano Island 780

BC Hydro said it expects to have most lights back on by 4 p.m. PT Monday, with the exception ofNanaimo.Power is not expected to be restored there until 11:30 p.m. PT.

BC Hydro also said more power outages could occur later Monday, as there is a risk of tree branches bending and breaking under heavy snow loads, and coming down on power lines.

Check BC Hydro's website for further updates.

Gallery:Snow days descend on South Coast