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Thousands of B.C. Hydro customers were without power on Tuesday as weather forecasters warn of high winds throughout B.C.

As of 4 p.m. PT, B.C. Hydro said 26,000 customers had lost power on Vancouver Island, where Environment Canada has said very strong winds could gust up to 100 km/h in some areas.

A wind warning also covers much of the southern and central B.C. Interior — including the South Thompson, Nicola, 100 Mile and Chilcotin areas, as well as the Coquihalla Highway.

Meanwhile, yellow warnings for winter storms cover north-central B.C., including Prince George and the Peace region in the province’s northeast.

In those areas, forecasters say up to 25 centimetres of snow could fall by Wednesday morning and there will be “near zero visibility” due to blowing snow and high wind gusts.

“Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Consider postponing non-essential travel and outdoor activities until conditions improve,” Environment Canada says on its website.

Special weather statements warning of high winds are also in place in the eastern Fraser Valley and for mountain passes like Highway 3 and the Okanagan Connector.

There, Environment Canada says strong southwesterly winds could gust up to 80 km/h, though winds are expected to ease by midnight Wednesday.

Many of the wind warnings for coastal regions are likely to ease late Tuesday afternoon, according to Environment Canada, but forecasters are still warning residents to be careful.

“Local utility outages are possible. Disruptions to services and travel are possible,” the wind warning reads.

“Stay away from fallen power lines.”