A Christmas Day storm has closed Tofino’s beaches and shut down Hwy. 4 at Cameron Lake.
Around 10 a.m. on Dec. 25, the district of Tofino announced all local beaches are temporarily closed for public safety due to the current storm surge advisory.
The stormy conditions were expected as the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve had issued an extreme wave hazard advisory for Dec. 25-28 last week.
“The closure is a precautionary measure taken due to the increased risks to public safety due to the combination of large waves and high tides,” the district of Tofino said through its social media channels. “To mitigate risks, the public is advised to avoid all beaches until further notice...It is imperative that individuals refrain from entering the water and steer clear of all beaches and waterways until an announcement has been made that the beaches are reopened.”
Stormy conditions have also shut down Hwy. 4 in both directions near Cameron Lake east of Port Alberni due to falling debris.
DriveBC announced the road closure around 6 p.m. on Dec. 25 and the road is expected to remain closed overnight with an update scheduled for 9 a.m. on Dec. 26.
“Highway 4 at Cameron Lake is closed due to falling debris as of 5:45pm. Due to safety concerns, the gates have been closed and will remain closed tonight,” read a social media post from the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District Emergency Program. “A geotechnical engineer assessment is required and this review must be completed during the daylight so the highway will remain closed tonight.”
https://twitter.com/DriveBC/status/1739469966733345181
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