VANCOUVER — Thousands of people in British Columbia faced power outages on Christmas Day as severe storm conditions continued to wreak havoc across the province. With heavy rainfall and powerful winds causing destruction, residents were left grappling with holiday disruptions, travel cancellations, and treacherous conditions.
According to reports from BC Hydro, nearly 5,000 customers were without electricity as of Christmas afternoon, with many areas under wind and rainfall warnings. The storm hit hard, particularly affecting Vancouver Island, where over 3,000 outages were reported, primarily attributed to fallen trees knocking down power lines.
The weather agency, Environment Canada, indicated wind gusts reached alarming speeds, with some coastal areas reporting gusts up to 162 km/h. This extreme weather was expected to last well through Boxing Day, bringing additional rainfall accumulations of up to 100 millimeters to regions like Metro Vancouver.
BC Ferries, struggling with the relentless weather, announced the cancellation of multiple sailings, including major routes between Vancouver and Victoria. A travel advisory released on Christmas Day warned residents of the impact on ferry services, causing frustration among those hoping to visit family or return home for the holidays.
Heavy storm conditions brought about the closure of Stanley Park due to increased hazards from falling trees, exacerbated by high winds and saturated ground. “Many trees remain vulnerable due to the hemlock looper outbreak,” the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation stated, urging the public to be cautious.
For those on Vancouver Island, the outlook was similarly dire. Reports indicated the potential for elevated water levels and continued strong winds affecting the Juan de Fuca Strait, with gusts surpassing 100 km/h expected on Boxing Day morning. With the storm being longer and more widespread than earlier ones earlier this week, residents braced for more challenges.
Maintenance crews from BC Hydro were on standby to address the repairs once conditions permitted, with spokesperson Ted Olynyk acknowledging the unpredictability of weather impacts. “We’ve heard of a significant event coming today, but at the end of the day, it’s always up to Mother Nature what happens,” he explained, reminding the public of the uncertainties involved.
Travel to and from the region was severely impacted, with Drive BC reporting closures on various highways due to downed power lines and severe snow conditions. On the Strathcona Parkway, heavy snowfall had reduced visibility and slowed traffic to almost a standstill, leading to safety advisories about snow tires and chains.
Meanwhile, ski resorts experienced their fair share of winter excitement with reports of more than 20 centimeters of snowfall within 24 hours. Mount Washington Alpine Resort urged visitors to be prepared during these conditions—emphasizing the potential for avalanches and other winter hazards.
Despite the challenges, local residents remained resilient, making arrangements for safe travel and power restoration as crews prepared to tackle the damage. With specialty equipment needed for certain repairs, some areas, including remote islands, faced prolonged outages. Reports from BC Hydro indicated some customers could be without power for several days.
Officials continued to monitor the situation closely, with the promise of more travel advisories as storm systems were expected to linger, leading to continued hardships for citizens and families throughout British Columbia. The weather forecast hinted at maintaining the stormy pattern, underscoring the importance of communal support during such trying times.
Understanding the unpredictability of severe weather, the effort of local agencies and citizens alike brought to light stories of compassion and cooperation, redefining community during the holiday season amid formidable natural challenges. Residents both mused and lamented the holiday weather, sharing the sentiment echoed by many: “Things can change quickly.”
