Authorities across British Columbia are grappling with the aftermath of a powerful windstorm, which has left more than 280,000 residents without power as they face hazardous conditions and disrupted ferry services. On Saturday, high winds swept through the region, affected areas included the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, and Vancouver Island, prompting widespread concern.
According to BC Hydro, by Saturday evening, crews had managed to restore power to approximately 170,000 customers, but many remained affected. "Due to the extensive damage, there will be some customers without power overnight," stated the utility, highlighting the continued efforts required to repair the damaged infrastructure.
BC Hydro reported over 250 crews were deployed, working through debris-laden roads to replace downed power lines and poles. With significant progress made on some fronts, challenges persisted due to access difficulties caused by fallen trees and sustained winds making continued work perilous.
Surrey emerged as one of the hardest-hit communities, with approximately 75,000 customers without power at the storm's peak. Other impacted areas included Burnaby and Port Coquitlam, with thousands affected across the region. The impacts of the storm have highlighted the precarious state of vegetation due to prolonged drought conditions, which have rendered trees weak and susceptible to winds, as noted by BC Hydro.
"Many dead and damaged trees and branches have fallen, making contact with our electrical equipment," the utility highlighted, pointing to the increased risk of future outages. With the storm causing widespread damage, BC Hydro advised residents to stay at least 10 metres away from downed power lines and to contact emergency services when encountering dangerous situations.
The winds, driven by a low-pressure system, reportedly gusted up to 100 km/h across affected regions, leading to extensive road closures. Notably, the Stanley Park causeway closed due to downed trees, and even reports of trees falling on vehicles emerged, as one car was struck at Knight Street and 32nd Avenue.
The adverse weather likewise disrupted ferry services, with BC Ferries canceling numerous sailings as safety assessments were conducted. "We know you have important places to be. We are currently monitoring the weather conditions with the goal of getting you underway as soon as it’s safe to do so," BC Ferries informed customers, many of whom faced long wait times as call volumes surged.
Environment Canada had previously issued wind warnings for the South Coast, predicting wind gusts were capable of causing damage to buildings, including roof shingles and windows. They also warned of loose objects being tossed about by the wind, leading to potential injury or damage. The agency highlighted the risk of unsafe driving conditions on highways vulnerable to crosswinds.
Flooding also became apparent, particularly along coastal areas, as high tides coincided with the storm surge. Areas like Sidney experienced waves crashing against walkways and coastal streets littered with debris. Local authorities warned residents to avoid coastal areas due to safety concerns related to the storm surge.
Reports showed how the storm had left neighborhoods impacted, with residents monitoring the weather closely, and some even reported damage to their homes. Diane Cross, who runs a local business, described how waves had inundated her community: "They just smashed right in over the walkway. Our windows are totally covered in salt," she shared, highlighting the challenging conditions faced by many.
With continued advisories, residents across British Columbia were encouraged to stay informed about the weather and remain cautious as recovery efforts proceeded. BC Hydro expressed confidence in their response teams: "All available crews are working to repair damage to power lines, power poles and other equipment to restore customers as quickly and safely as possible." Yet, as crews toil through the rubble and debris strewn across roadways, it remains clear this storm will have lasting effects on many communities.
With expectations of slower recovery due to severe damage and hazardous conditions, many British Columbians keep their fingers crossed for the timely restoration of services. The province commends the patience of those affected, as they navigate the aftermath of Mother Nature’s fierce display. For those relying on ferries or power to return to normalcy, it’s anticipated progress may take longer than usual, with BC Hydro and ferry services working day and night to address the havoc wreaked by the storm.