Strong winds have left nearly 100,000 people without power in B.C., according to an operational update from BC Hydro.
BC Hydro issued its statement about power outages in the province at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 15.
At that time, BC Hydro said that 90,000 residents were without power in regions including the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
The electric utility warned that additional power outages may arise as strong winds are expected to continue to batter parts of B.C.
“As of 3:30 p.m., about 50,000 customers are without power in the Lower Mainland and on the Sunshine Coast, and nearly 40,000 customers on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The hardest hit areas are Langley, Maple Ridge, Victoria, Duncan and Qualicum,” BC Hydro said.
A reminder during #BCStorm. Downed power lines are always an emergency. Dial 911 and stay back at least 10 metres to stay safe: https://t.co/k5ZFxUzqkw pic.twitter.com/1UMeZ13owl
— BC Hydro (@bchydro) December 15, 2025
BC Hydro also said that a lack of rain contributed to the outages.
“After several years of drought, weakened vegetation across the province has made trees and branches more susceptible to wind damage. Many dead or damaged trees have fallen onto BC Hydro’s electrical equipment, causing widespread outages.”
Crews are working to restore power in affected areas, and BC Hydro said that they’ll continue working into the evening and overnight.
“Reports of downed power lines are being received. A downed power line is an emergency – call 911 immediately and stay at least 10 metres back. BC Hydro crews will work with first responders to make the area safe,” BC Hydro said, thanking customers for their patience.