Major storm drenches B.C. coast, leaves thousands without power

A powerful storm system has delivered over 200 millimetres of rain to Vancouver Island and coastal British Columbia, marking the start of the province's storm season after a dry October. BC Hydro reported that about 40,000 customers were still without electricity Saturday morning, down from a higher peak during the storm on Friday. The hardest-hit areas included Prince George, Port Hardy, Courtenay and Qualicum. Coastal communities are under warnings for rising water levels, and damaging winds on the mainland have caused widespread power outages.

BC Hydro spokesperson Whitney Deane said crews are bracing for more severe weather. "Friday's storm caused significant damage, and we're preparing for more challenging weather in the days ahead," Deane said. "Our crews and resources will be working around-the-clock to restore power and respond to new outages as quickly and safely as possible, and we're encouraging customers to be prepared." Another atmospheric river is forecast to bring strong winds to the south and central coasts and Vancouver Island, with Environment Canada predicting southeasterly gusts up to 90 km/h.

High streamflow advisories are in effect for most of Vancouver Island and the South and Central Coast. The River Forecast Centre said waterways on northern and western parts of the island are rising quickly, with flows reaching two to five-year return levels. Environment Canada has also issued a coastal flooding statement for the island's west coast, warning that a combination of high ocean levels, strong winds and waves could push water above the highest astronomical tides. Minor flooding along low-lying shorelines is likely through the weekend.

BC Ferries cancelled its 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. sailings between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay on Saturday, leaving a 5 p.m. departure as the last of the day. Service between Metro Vancouver and Nanaimo continues to operate. The ferry service said it is monitoring conditions for Sunday and warned that the 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. sailings on the Tsawwassen route could be cancelled if the weather does not improve. The Village of Zeballos on Vancouver Island issued an evacuation order Friday due to landslide risks from the heavy rain. A third storm is expected to arrive Monday, potentially bringing a prolonged period of rainfall to the B.C. coast throughout the coming week. Your Space Hamilton reported earlier this month that high winds and heavy rain have previously led to ferry cancellations and power outages for thousands on Vancouver Island.

With files from The Canadian Press and Global News