Thousands still without power after windstorm hits B.C.

BC Hydro is still working to restore power to 30,000 customers across B.C. after a powerful windstorm swept across the province Tuesday night.

Roughly 210,000 customersfrom Vancouver Island to the Kootenayslost power as winds forecast to hit to 90 km/h downed trees and power lines. The worst hit area was the Thompson-Shuswap where over 35,000 customers lost power.

In the Lower Mainland and the Sunshine Coast 15,000 customers were in the dark overnight and at least two sailboats either sank or washed ashore near Vancouver's Vanier park.

BC Hydro says crews are working to restore power to all areas but it could take several hours before all lines are repaired.

• Check BC Hydro updates for your area

The blast of cold windy weather was also expected to leave a dusting of snow on some mountain highway passes, prompting Environment Canada to issue a special weather statement early Wednesday morning for the province's Southern Interior. Boaters and residents are also warned to expect strong, gusty winds on lakes.

• Check weather alerts for B.C.