Over 100,000 B.C. residents without power after wind storm batters Metro Vancouver
BC Hydro is warning residents across the province that some customers may be without power for a time as cleanup from a powerful wind storm continues.
Over 100,000 residents were impacted at the height of the ongoing power outages across B.C., with the majority of affected BC Hydro customers located in the Lower Mainland and the Sunshine Coast.
The worst of the weather chaos may be over, as Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) recently ended a special weather statement for Metro Vancouver that warned winds up to 80 km would gust through the region and into the Fraser Valley.
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“BC Hydro crews are making good progress restoring power to customers impacted by the overnight windstorm and heavy rainfall,” stated the electricity utility in an operation update late on Wednesday morning.
“About 70,000 customers have had their service restored – or about 60 per cent of the more than 120,000 impacted customers in the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Winds are now easing in most communities and restoration work will continue into the night.”
BC Hydro
Vancouver residents shared their experience with the overnight wind storm online and on social media, with people claiming they “don’t remember the last time it was this bad.”
“At one point, my whole house was shaking,” stated one commenter. “Glad I tied down my inflatable Xmas decor well. He’s still standing!”
“I’m right next to the water, and it is SCARY. I had to run outside in my nighty and make sure everything was secured because my patio furniture covers look like circus tents right now with this wind.”
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“BC Hydro crews and contractor crews have been working throughout the morning,” the company added. “While crews have made good progress replacing power lines, poles and other electrical equipment damaged by vegetation, they have encountered challenges in some areas that have slowed progress. These include access challenges due to the heavy debris on some roads.”
According to ECCC, a “vigorous cold front” that moved across the region starting last night was the cause of the serious damage.
“These strong winds may lead to possible tree damage, local power outages and travel delays,” added ECCC in the special weather statement.