5:30 p.m. update
Power restoration continues amid ongoing windstorm
VANCOUVER: Strong wind has left about 70,000 BC Hydro customers in the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands without power, down from a peak of more than 90,000 customers this afternoon. With high winds continuing, additional outages are expected.
As of 5:30 p.m., the hardest hit areas are:
- Squamish with 11,200 customers without power
- Duncan with 9,800 customers without power
- Hope with 6,400 customers without power
High winds have caused trees and branches to fall onto electrical infrastructure, resulting in extensive damage. BC Hydro crews and contractors are currently working to repair damage to power lines, power poles and other equipment in an effort to restore customers as quickly and safely as possible. Due to the extensive damage, there will be some customers without power overnight.
Reports of downed power lines are being received. A downed power line is an emergency – call 911 immediately and stay at least 10 metres back. BC Hydro crews will work with first responders to make the area safe.
BC Hydro thanks customers for their patience as crews work to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. For the latest outage updates and estimated restoration times, visit bchydro.com/outages.
3:30 p.m. update
VANCOUVER: A powerful windstorm has left about 90,000 BC Hydro customers without electricity across the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. With strong winds continuing, additional outages are expected in these regions.
As of 3:30 p.m., about 50,000 customers are without power in the Lower Mainland and on the Sunshine Coast, and nearly 40,000 customers on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The hardest hit areas are Langley, Maple Ridge, Victoria, Duncan and Qualicum.
After several years of drought, weakened vegetation across the province has made trees and branches more susceptible to wind damage. Many dead or damaged trees have fallen onto BC Hydro’s electrical equipment, causing widespread outages.
BC Hydro crews and contractors are working to repair damage to power lines, power poles and other equipment. Restoration efforts will continue throughout the evening and overnight.
Reports of downed power lines are being received. A downed power line is an emergency – call 911 immediately and stay at least 10 metres back. BC Hydro crews will work with first responders to make the area safe.
BC Hydro thanks customers for their patience as crews work to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. For the latest outage updates and estimated restoration times, visit bchydro.com/outages.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468