Parks Canada has issued an Extreme Wave Hazard Advisory for Vancouver Island’s west coast, warning residents and visitors of dangerous ocean conditions as a powerful storm system approaches the region this weekend. The advisory covers November 6 through 8, with wave heights expected to reach seven metres Friday before building to as high as eight metres late Saturday and into Sunday. Parks Canada says the combination of powerful ocean swells, strong winds and high tides could create hazardous conditions along exposed beaches and shorelines, with waves potentially reaching well beyond the normal waterline. The agency warns that storm surges could cause flooding along upper beach areas and even reach nearby parking lots. They also also caution that powerful surges can develop with little warning, sending water rushing up beaches and lifting or rolling large logs along the shoreline. Areas that appear completely dry can become submerged within seconds. “Parks Canada does not encourage participation in any type of coastal or aquatic activities during this time period,” Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Parks Canada said in a social media post. For those hoping to observe the large surf, Parks Canada suggests the Florencia Bay Lookout and the observation deck at the Kwisitis Visitor Centre. Park staff will continue monitoring weather and ocean conditions throughout the weekend. Depending on the severity of flooding, some beach access points and parking lots could be temporarily closed. Visitors are being asked to respect all closures and check for updates before travelling into the park. The hazardous coastal conditions are part of a larger storm system expected to affect Vancouver Island over the coming days. BC Ferries has warned passengers that numerous sailings could be cancelled across several routes as the weather system moves through the region. Travellers are encouraged to check sailing schedules and service notices before leaving home. Thousands of customers affected by power outages The approaching storm also comes as thousands of customers across Vancouver Island continue to deal with power outages, although many have been reconnected since the initial disruptions. The latest figures show nearly 20,000 customers still without power on northern Vancouver Island, while southern Vancouver Island reports around 3,300 customers without electricity. With another round of potentially severe weather approaching, residents are being encouraged to monitor BC Hydro’s outage map and mobile app for updates on existing power interruptions. Anyone experiencing an outage that does not appear on the map can report it by calling 1-800-224-9376 or *49376 from a mobile phone. Residents should also watch for fallen trees and damaged electrical infrastructure as the storm approaches. B.C. Hydro says downed power lines should always be treated as live, even if there are no visible signs of electrical activity. Anyone who encounters a damaged or fallen line should remain at least 10 metres away and immediately call 911. For anyone visiting Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Parks Canada is emphasizing that viewing large waves should never come at the expense of personal safety.
