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Arctic outflow warning issued for Sea to Sky corridor

Strong winds expected to last throughout the day
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File Photo

Update: As of 3 p.m. on Saturday, 890 customers are still without power. BC Hydro says it expects power to return by 6 p.m. However, with temperatures dipping to -16 C tonight, the Resort Municipality of Whistler is asking residents to consider finding somewhere to stay if the power does not return. The RMOW will provide shelter for residents without power at the Myrtle Philip Community School.

Environment Canada is warning the Sea to Sky corridor to bundle up today with an Arctic outflow warning in effect for Squamish to Whistler.

Extremely strong outflow winds are expected to continue throughout the day. "Any outdoor activity exposes you to an increased risk of frostbite," Environment Canada said in the warning. "Be prepared for unusually cold temperatures and strong winds. Drive with care, especially along coastal routes exposed to outflow winds."

Meanwhile, several power outages are listed throughout the corridor. In Whistler, BC Hydro crews have been assigned to outages in the Alpine Meadows and Emerald neighbourhood that are affecting 1,289 customers. Crews were on scene Saturday morning at a second outage at the north end of Emerald.

Meanwhile, over at Whistler Blackcomb, several lifts were not open Saturday morning. The Upper Blackcomb Gondola and Upper Whistler Village Gondola were both closed, as well as the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Several higher chairlifts and T-Bars were also closed.

For more on power outages click here. To keep an eye on Whistler Blackcomb's lift status go here.