About 8,000 British Columbians remain without power after Friday's raging windstorm pounded the south coast, knocking trees into power lines and disrupting ferry service.
More than 3,200 BC Hydro customers in Metro Vancouver, and about 4,800 on Vancouver Island, were still waiting to have power restored as of 7 p.m. Saturday evening.
Hydro spokesman Dag Sharman says crews have been working around the clock since the storm cut power to about 115,000 customers on Friday.
Environment Canada clocked winds of between 60 and 90 kilometres per hour on the mainland, which knocked debris off buildings in downtown Vancouver and downed trees in Stanley Park -- forcing Vancouver police to close both the park and the Lions Gate Bridge for a few hours.
Winds of up to 110 kilometres per hour were reported over the water. Rough seas spurred ferry cancellations and delays, and even did physical damage to one of BC Ferries' fleet.
The waves also caused one 30-foot sailboat, the Incizor, to capsize and sink. All six passengers were rescued and taken to Nanaimo. Two were taken to hospital for observation.
But ferry passengers saw smooth sailing on Saturday, and BC Ferries added 26 extra trips to make up for Friday's backlog.
Few delays have been reported, but spokesman Mark Stefanson advised passengers to pack their patience and arrive 30 minutes in advance if they have reservations.
BC Hydro customers can report power outages by calling 1-888-POWERON or by visiting the company's website.
With files from The Canadian Press
