BC Hydro warns of more outages as damaging winds expected to hit B.C
The utility says additional weather systems could be more impactful than the storm that left 80,000 without power.
VANCOUVER · BC Hydro is warning of more power outages as damaging winds are forecast to hit British Columbia through the weekend. The utility reported that around 80,000 customers were without power at the peak of storm activity on Friday, with crews still working to restore service amid falling trees and branches. Environment Canada has issued wind warnings for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, with gusts up to 90 km/h expected Saturday evening and conditions lasting into Sunday morning. BC Ferries has cancelled several sailings, including routes from Tsawwassen to the Southern Gulf Islands, due to high winds and wave heights. "Friday's storm caused significant damage, and we're preparing for more challenging weather in the days ahead," said Whitney Deane, a BC Hydro spokesperson. "Additional weather systems are expected through mid-week, and some of the winds could be more impactful than what we've seen so far." The utility said crews are working to repair damage from the initial storm while bracing for the next round of severe weather.
Environment Canada's warning states the strong winds could damage roofs, fences, and trees, and pose a risk of injury from flying debris. The federal weather agency also warns the winds could knock out utilities. The yellow wind warning was in effect as of 10 a.m. Saturday. The warning said that damaging winds were expected, going up to 90 km/h in the evening in the Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley area. The conditions are expected to last until Sunday morning.
BC Ferries announced the cancellations Saturday, warning that more sailings could be affected. The cancellations are due to high winds and wave height in the Strait of Georgia. Your Space Hamilton reported earlier this month that similar conditions led to ferry cancellations and power outages on Vancouver Island. The weather warnings come after a stormy Friday that caused massive power outages and disrupted ferry service across the province. BC Hydro said the outages were widespread, and while crews have restored power in some areas, new damage from falling trees continues to cause problems. BC Ferries also announced Saturday that several sailings were being cancelled, with many more possible, due to the weather warnings. Following a stormy Friday that saw massive power outages and cancelled ferries, BC Hydro, the Government of Canada’s weather predictors and BC Ferries are warning of more interruptions in services and ferry cancellations. As crews fixed power in some places, crews also had to deal with falling trees and branches causing more outages.
With files from CityNews