Planned Power Outage on Monday September 26th

BC Hydro will be powering down the west coast (Tofino, Ucluelet, Ahousaht and all surrounding communities) for some upgrades for about 8 hours on Monday September 26th, from 8am to 4pm (estimated times). For info on power outages and whatnot visit www.bchydro.com and listen for a public service announcement about the outage on Long Beach Radio.
Stormy conditions are also expected for the region so plan ahead. A BC Hydro page about outage perparation is HERE

The District of Tofino sent this release out regarding the storm risks:

Our first winter class storm is forecast to arrive this Monday (26^th). We know from past experience the types of incidents that tend to occur during these events. Compounding this event will be the power outage on Monday. School and businesses will be closed so we should expect an increased number of local storm watchers.

 Storm details:

We are looking at an unusually large and powerful swell hitting early Monday morning, continuing through until Wednesday evening. The forecast is showing a peak of 25 feet with a 14 second period. Storm surge will be compounded by very high tides at mid day. Expect beaches to be flooded and logs floating. As a result, some of the park beach accesses will likely be temporarily closed during this period. Visitors will need to be reminded why these areas are closed and requested to respect our closures.

 Hazards:

Please provide advice to visitors of the need to respect power of the ocean and to exercise caution. For example, in the past we have had to intercept and convince novice surfers from going out into the waves, even when logs were being floated by the storm waves and were bouncing up against the edge of the parking lot. Many visitors and inexperienced surfers do not appreciate the danger even when it seems obvious to us. As we all know a wide expanse of exposed beach can be flooded very quickly when a large set comes in. Rip currents will be extremely strong. Help may not be available if you get into trouble - assistance from rescuers will be constrained by dangerous conditions. Swell will wash high up over rocks - stay well back. Large logs will be floating - you can get trapped and/or crushed. One of the biggest concerns is that some visitors/locals do not have an appreciation for how dangerous these conditions can be, and how quickly a perceived safe spot can become dangerous.

 Tides:

Monday High 11.8' at 1227 hrs

Tuesday High 12.5' at 1306 hrs

Wednesday High 12.8 at 1345 hrs

Thanks for listening, be safe and we'll get back on the air as soon as we can once power is restored.