BC Hydro is warning residents across the province that some customers may be without power for a time as cleanup from a powerful wind storm continues.
Over 100,000 residents are impacted by ongoing power outages across B.C., with the majority of affected BC Hydro customers located in the Lower Mainland and the Sunshine Coast.
The worst of the weather chaos may be over, as Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) recently ended a special weather statement for Metro Vancouver that warned winds up to 80 km would gust through the region and into the Fraser Valley.
Approximately 120,000 BC Hydro customers were left without power at the peak of the storm.
“This marks the third major weather-related outage event this week,” stated the electric utility in a release. “Crews are working around-the-clock in challenging conditions to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.
“The storm brought down trees and debris onto BC Hydro’s electrical infrastructure, damaging power lines, poles and other equipment. All available crews and contractors are being mobilized, and restoration efforts will continue throughout the day and into the night.”
Vancouver residents shared their experience with the overnight wind storm online and on social media, with people claiming they “don’t remember the last time it was this bad.”
“At one point, my whole house was shaking,” stated one commenter. “Glad I tied down my inflatable Xmas decor well. He’s still standing!”
“I’m right next to the water, and it is SCARY. I had to run outside in my nighty and make sure everything was secured because my patio furniture covers look like circus tents right now with this wind.”
According to ECCC, a “vigorous cold front” that moved across the region starting last night was the cause of the serious damage.
“These strong winds may lead to possible tree damage, local power outages and travel delays,” added ECCC in the special weather statement.
source: Daily Hive photo: BCHydro/X
