Kamloops residents asked to stay out of parks due to strong winds

KAMLOOPS – The wind pummelled Kamloops today and the City is asking people to avoid parks and trails with trees.

The City of Kamloops says the strong winds are expected to continue through the rest of today, Oct. 17, and overnight.

Senior parks supervisor Shawn Cook says in a media release residents should be extremely cautious of their surroundings.

"Last night in several areas throughout our parks system we experienced falling branches due to the severe winds," Cook says. "With winds forecasted to gust up to 90km/h this afternoon and evening, we are advising residents to stay clear of the parks system until the winds subside."

If you notice any damaged or fallen trees on city property you're asked to call the Parks Department at 250-828-3551.

The strong winds have already caused problems for Riverside Park and McArthur Island Park. Early this morning branches were scattered across Riverside Park due to high winds.

In McArthur Island Park, some trees were completely uprooted.

At the time of publication, there are more than 13,000 power outages across the Thompson-Shuswap regions. In Kamloops and Barriere, more than 350 B.C. Hydro customers are currently affected by outages.

For the latest on B.C. Hydro power outages, go here.

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