Storm knocks out power to more than 100,000 on B.C.’s South Coast

A windstorm pushing powerful gusts across B.C.’s South Coast has plunged tens of thousands of homes into darkness.

A powerful windstorm paired with heavy rain is sweeping across British Columbia’s South Coast, leaving about 120,000 hydro customers without electricity — with the heaviest impacts concentrated in the Lower Mainland.

Environment Canada has issued wind warnings for the region, with gusts expected to reach up to 80 km/h in Metro Vancouver and up to 100 km/h in parts of the Fraser Valley.

The agency warns the strong winds could bring down trees and power lines, creating hazardous travel conditions and potential delays.

BC Hydro says this is the third major weather-related outage event this week, and crews are working around the clock in challenging conditions to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.

The utility says overnight winds brought down trees and debris onto electrical infrastructure, damaging power lines, poles and other equipment. All available crews and contractors are being mobilized, with restoration efforts expected to continue through the day and into the night.

Ferry service status

Despite the blustery conditions, BC Ferries says there have been no cancellations so far.

Travellers are still being urged to check current conditions and service notices before heading to terminals, as weather-related changes remain possible.

The outages are also affecting schools. In Abbotsford, the school district says some schools may have late starts or closures today due to power outages, and updates will be shared as soon as they’re available.

The affected schools include Dr. Roberta Bondar, Chief Dan George, South Poplar Traditional and Alexander Elementary.

BC Hydro is also reminding the public that downed power lines are an emergency. Anyone who sees a fallen line is asked to call 911 immediately and stay at least 10 metres back. Crews will work with first responders to make the area safe.

BC Hydro says it will continue to provide operational updates as restoration work continues.

The storm is also creating dangerous conditions beyond power outages. Debris is scattered across roadways, water is pooling in low-lying areas, and traffic signals are dark at several major intersections. Drivers are reminded to treat any non-functioning traffic light as a four-way stop.

Officials are also underscoring the real risks associated with severe wind events.

Earlier this week, a 28-year-old mother was killed after a tree fell on her while she was walking with her kids in Island 22 Regional Park in Chilliwack during Monday’s windstorm.

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