Thousands across B.C. lose power overnight after high winds

A strong blast of cold windy weather has hit B.C. hard, resulting in power outages in communities far and wide across the province.

As of 3:45 a.m.PT, there were over 40,000customers without power, with significant outages in Prince George, Quesnel, the entire Shuswap region, Parksville, Pender Island, Oak Bay, Saanich, and throughout the Lower Mainland.

Environment Canada said winds ofup to 90 km/h were expected throughout Metro Vancouver and the Interior as the system passedthrough.

A full list of outages can be found here.

"Damaging winds have caused multiple outages to customers in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and the central Interior. We expect outages to increase until the winds abate," wrote BC Hydro in a statement.

"Crews have been dispatched to these areas to work quickly and safely as possible. Exact restoration times will not be available until full damage assessments are complete later this evening. Please check back for the latest updates."

• Windy forecast has Okanagan officials bracing for further flooding

"Local tree damage or power outages are possible. Moderate northwest winds are expected to persist through Wednesday morning in the wake of the front," wrote Environment Canada in a special weather statement.

They ended their special weather statement for the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island just after 4:20 a.m. Wednesday.

• Check the latest Environment Canada weather warnings for B.C.