A severe windstorm hit Vancouver Island on Thursday, causing major damage with gale force winds, heavy surf and fallen trees. The storm was one of the worst to hit the coast since 2006, with winds peaking at 144 km/h at Lennard Island Lighthouse, south of Tofino. Some meteorologists suggest that the storm series could be linked to climate change. Despite the intensity of the storm, wind surfers still took to the water in Jordan River. Crews are now preparing for another storm this weekend, but it is not expected to be as intense.