Thousands Without Power Because of Storm

By 250 News

An emergency center has been set up in Ft. St. James to cope with the loss of power and the more than one and a half feet of snow (46 centimeters) that fell on the area.

The emergency center is now searching out any elderly people who may need assistance because  of the loss of power.

The emergency call went out shortly after 5.00 p.m. tonight for all emergency personnel to report. A school in Ft. St. James is being opened to accommodate those displaced residents.

In the City of Prince George police were reporting Saturday night at 10.45 pm. that no serious accidents have been reported but a rash of fender benders had taken place in the city as the wet rainfall and slush turned to black ice. Drivers are being urged to drive with caution.

On the area roads,  highway 16  has some closures through  Smithers, and travel advisories are still in effect for the area west of Vanderhoof.  People are being advised not to travel on Highway 16 west.

Highway 16 east to McBride has slippery and slushy sections,  highway 97 north to the Mackenzie junction has a mix of  black ice, slushy sections and compact snow.  The same can be said about highway 97 south to Quesnel.

Thousands of people west of Prince George may have to wait until  Sunday evening before hydro will be restored to their homes,

Power was out to all of Takla Landing,  and all of Fraser Lake. Telkwa, Houston, New Hazelton, South Hazelton, much of Smithers including the Smithers hospital and the airport. 

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