Overview of the Windstorm

A powerful windstorm swept through Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island on Thursday night, leaving thousands without power. By Friday morning, B.C. Hydro reported that the majority of affected customers had their service restored, but nearly 100 residents in Metro Vancouver and over 1,000 on Vancouver Island were still waiting for electricity.

Impact on Power Outages

At the peak of the storm, disruptions impacted more than 15,000 customers, with the hardest-hit areas being Vancouver Island, Langley, and Surrey. Crews are currently working around the clock to repair the damage, especially on northern Vancouver Island, where access challenges have complicated recovery efforts. Notably, residents of Denman, Cortes, and Hornby islands will experience prolonged outages until crews can evaluate damage by air.

Damage Assessment

The regions of Campbell River and Courtenay faced the worst damage, primarily due to trees and vegetation succumbing to strong winds and crashing onto power lines. Environment and Climate Change Canada had issued multiple wind warnings and special weather statements, predicting gusts that could reach up to 90 km/h in certain areas.

Calming Weather Conditions

Fortunately, the weather on B.C.’s South Coast is expected to calm down on Friday, featuring a mix of sun and clouds and only a slight chance of showers. However, residents in many central and northern areas of B.C. should remain cautious, as wind warnings are still in effect following a turbulent week of storms.

Preparedness for Future Outages

Earlier in the week, B.C. Hydro had warned customers to brace for additional power outages caused by trees and vegetation weakened by drought conditions as the storm season progresses. While drought levels have seen some improvement compared to last year, B.C. Hydro's meteorologists caution that the risk of outages remains high, especially on Vancouver Island where dry conditions have persisted longer, as well as in northern B.C. that has experienced significant wildfires this season.

Drought Effects on Vegetation

In contrast, the Lower Mainland and southern Interior have experienced less severe drought stress this year. However, the threat to trees and vegetation remains significant, as they are still under stress from multiple years of drought. Susie Rieder, a spokeswoman for B.C. Hydro, noted, "A multi-year drought that began about three years ago is continuing to harm local vegetation, leading to weakened roots, trees, and soil. This makes them more vulnerable to wind and storm conditions, heightening the risk of falling trees and subsequent power outages."

Conclusion

As the storm season continues, residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for potential outages as crews work tirelessly to restore power and address the aftermath of this intense windstorm.