Highway 4 has re-opened following a powerful wind storm.
DriveBC announced on Wednesday morning (Nov. 20) that the highway is now open to single-lane alternating traffic between Coombs and Port Alberni. The road had been fully closed overnight and most of the morning due to downed trees and debris. Travellers can expect delays as crews continue to assess trees along the highway.
The Port Alberni RCMP announced on Tuesday evening (Nov. 19) that Highway 4 east of Port Alberni was closed in both directions due to "unsafe conditions."Police made the announcement after a "bomb cyclone" brought powerful winds to Vanouver Island and the British Columbia coast.
Emergency crews responded to multiple motor vehicle incidents and reports of downed trees on Highway 4 throughout the evening, including an incident where a tree fell on a semi-truck.
On Wednesday morning, the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) Emergency Program said that the road remains closed due to debris on the highway.
"Crews are working on removing debris and the highway will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so," the ACRD posted on Facebook.
For travellers stranded on the Port Alberni side of the highway, Emergency Support Services set up a warming centre at the Echo Centre (4255 Wallace Street). The Bread of Life (3130 Third Avenue) also opened an Extreme Weather Response Shelter, funded by BC Housing.