B.C. weather: Thousands without power after bomb cyclone [Video]

BC Hydro says crews will be working around the clock to restore power to customers still in the dark after Tuesday’s windstorm, which left more than 300,000 without power at its peak.

In an update Wednesday evening, the utility said outages caused by toppled trees, downed power poles and hurricane-force winds were still impacting approximately 65,000 customers on Vancouver Island and in the Gulf Islands.

“All available BC Hydro crews, contractor crews and vegetation crews are working hard to restore power as quickly and safely as possible,” a statement from BC Hydro said.

Restoration efforts have been hampered in some of the hardest-hit areas, the utility explained.

“While the response has been strong, crews have encountered some challenges that have slowed progress in some areas. These include access challenges due to the heavy debris on some roads and highways, and sustained strong winds in some areas that are making it …