Hurricane-force winds tore through Fernie last evening, leaving a family homeless and the community in shock. Environment Canada’s wind warning for the area proved grossly underestimated for local resident Mark Hall, Gearhub Sports co-owner, whose home was obliterated by winds exceeding 150 km/h.
Mark and his two children, Kale and Neve, narrowly escaped the destruction when they stepped outside moments before the powerful gusts tore through their property. As the storm raged around them, Neve, amidst flying debris and darkness, turned to her father and said, “Dad, our house is gone.”
The Hall family’s off-grid homestead was not just damaged—it was completely destroyed, leaving their belongings scattered and their landscape flattened. The storm’s unprecedented force, described as hurricane-like, also caused damage to the Fernie Nordic Society’s clubhouse and other structures throughout the valley. The Hall family was hit the hardest.
Environment Canada had warned of strong gusts reaching 70 to 80 km/h as a cold front moved across the province, with some areas possibly experiencing winds up to 90 km/h. However, the winds that struck Fernie were far beyond those predictions, wreaking havoc across the area.
“Damage to buildings, roof shingles, and windows is possible,” the forecast had stated. “Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage.” These warnings now seem like an understatement, as the destruction for Mark surpassed even the most dire predictions.
Winds in the 110 to 130 km/h range are known to cause significant damage to roofs and secured outbuildings. At 150 km/h or more, even secured mobile homes and buildings are at risk of complete destruction. For the Hall family, the winds clearly exceeded this threshold, leaving them with the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives from scratch.
Fortunately, Mark, Kale, and Neve emerged physically unscathed, but they now face the daunting challenge of replacing their home. The community is rallying around them, and any support would be greatly appreciated as they begin the difficult process of recovery. See the Gofundme here.
As the Elk Valley cleans up in the aftermath of this unprecedented storm, residents are reminded of the power and unpredictability of nature—and the importance of coming together in times of crisis.
