High winds cause loss of power in Viking area

Viking was just one of the locations in central Alberta  which lost power for hours Wednesday, Jan. 15 as the result of a wind storm which whipped across the region.

    Strong winds started in the night and lasted all day Wednesday tearing down signs, pulling siding from homes, and scattering broken tree branches across roadways.

    The power started to flicker at about 5:30 a.m., Wednesday and finally went out altogether at about 7:30 a.m.

    School buses were turned back when they arrived at Viking School and students were returned to their homes. Grade 12 students writing a departmental exam stayed at the school as the exam must be written.

Howling winds turned roadways into a blur of white and an overnight rainfall into dangerous ice patches. All across central Alberta the winds tore down trees, brought down power lines and forced vehicles off the road. Winds gusts were recorded at 120 km per hour in some areas. The sudden and unpredictable wind gusts made driving very dangerous. The signs were worded different but they all carried the same message. Viking’s main street turned into a ghost town as one after another businesses locked up and staff was sent home to wait for the power be brought back on line. More on Page 14.

For more see the Jan. 21/14 issue of the Viking Weekly Review