A powerful bomb cyclone has unleashed its fury on Vancouver Island, leading to a significant cleanup operation across many regions. The South Coast felt the brunt of the storm, but it was Vancouver Island that faced the most severe impact, with hurricane-force winds wreaking havoc.

At the height of the storm, around 100,000 homes and businesses found themselves in the dark as power outages swept across the area. The town of Parksville experienced a complete blackout, showcasing the storm's ferocity. In Courtenay, north of Parksville, winds were so strong they flipped a plane onto its roof at the local airport. The storm also caused significant maritime incidents, with a sailboat crashing onto the rocks and numerous trees toppling onto roads, yards, and even vehicles.

Emergency crews have been tirelessly working to clear the debris and restore order. In Cathedral Grove near Port Alberni, fallen trees obstructed roads, prompting immediate action from cleanup crews. "It’s been really busy today for sure," reported Ken Redford from Elevated Tree Service. "We didn’t expect it to be this bad, but there’s lots of carnage in the area. We’ve received quite a few calls about trees on houses and power lines."

According to Armel Castellan of Environment Canada, the western and northern coasts of Vancouver Island were hit particularly hard. "The winds were incredibly strong," he commented. "They picked up dramatically yesterday, with near-record-breaking speeds recorded on Sartin Island, an isolated area." He confirmed that winds at the northern tip reached a staggering 170 km/h, classifying them as hurricane-strength.

As the island starts to recover from this natural disaster, residents are urged to stay safe and remain vigilant. The aftermath of this bomb cyclone serves as a harsh reminder of the power of nature and the need for community solidarity in the face of adversity. The extensive damage caused has some experts questioning whether climate change could be influencing the increasing severity of these storms. Stay tuned for updates as more reports come in regarding recovery efforts and ongoing hazards.