Thousands without power, trees down in B.C. as storm sweeps through on Monday [Video]

Hundreds of thousands of British Columbians were without power on Monday due to a powerful storm that swept across the South Coast.

Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, Victoria, Sechelt and White Rock were some of the hardest-hit areas along with northern and southern Vancouver Island.

As of 2:30 p.m., about 225,000 customers had been impacted, which could increase until the winds subside, BC Hydro said in a statement.

Some customers will be without power overnight due to extensive damage.

Wind speeds of up to 100 km/h were recorded in Victoria, while Chilliwack saw winds of 85 km/h and the Vancouver Airport recorded winds of up to 77 km/h.

In Langley, a number of schools were closed on Monday due to power outages. The school district is providing an updated list. As of 3 p.m. Capilano University’s North Vancouver main campus was closed.

BC Hydro says crews are out and working to restore power.

“After a multi-year drought, vegetation …