BC Hydro crews continue to restore power following Friday’s damaging winds as more severe weather takes aim at the province
VANCOUVER: After strong winds brought down trees and branches and caused widespread power outages across British Columbia Friday, BC Hydro is warning customers to prepare for more outages as a series of storms approach the coast over the coming days.
About 80,000 customers were without power at the peak of Friday’s storm, but the total number affected throughout the day was much higher as strong winds moved through different parts of the province. As crews restored power in some areas Friday, falling trees and branches caused new outages elsewhere. And the stormy weather is far from over.
BC Hydro's meteorologists are closely monitoring two, and likely three, more weather systems expected to impact the coast and other regions of the province between now and mid-week. The next system is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the south and central coasts beginning Saturday, with some wind gusts potentially more damaging than those experienced so far.
"Friday's storm caused significant damage, and we're preparing for more challenging weather in the days ahead," said Whitney Deane, 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. 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."
Where outages remain
As of 8 a.m. Saturday, approximately 40,000 customers remain without power as crews continue working to restore service.
The hardest-hit areas currently include Prince George and surrounding communities, Port Hardy, Courtenay and Qualicum. Crews are repairing damaged power lines, poles and other electrical equipment, with restoration work expected to continue throughout the day.
Summer conditions can make fall storms more damaging
Friday’s outages come as new BC Hydro research highlights how conditions that develop months before storm season can make trees more vulnerable when severe weather arrives.
BC Hydro’s new report, The new reality: Emergency season is year-round, finds prolonged drought and heat can weaken trees and root systems, while wildfire can damage trees that remain standing. Those effects can linger into fall and winter and may not become apparent until high winds and heavy rain put weakened trees under additional stress.
Preparing for days of stormy weather
With multiple weather systems expected over the coming days, BC Hydro is preparing for an extended storm response and will have BC Hydro crews, contractor crews and other resources working around-the-clock as conditions move through the province.
BC Hydro’s in-house meteorologists monitor incoming weather systems and use advanced forecasting and outage prediction tools to anticipate where the greatest impacts could occur. This helps position crews, contractors, damage assessors and other resources so they can respond where they are needed most. BC Hydro has also tripled annual vegetation management spending over the past several years to approximately $150 million to identify and remove hazardous trees and vegetation near power lines.
BC Hydro continues to encourage customers to prepare for the possibility of further outages before the next storms arrive, including making sure they have a stocked 72-hour emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies.
Customers can also download the new BC Hydro mobile app before severe weather arrives. The app provides outage information specific to a customer’s address, including the cause, when the outage began, estimated restoration time and the latest updates. Customers can also find the latest information at bchydro.com/outages.
During an outage, customers should stay at least 10 metres away from downed, damaged or low-hanging power lines and call 911 to report them.
Customers can learn more about storm and outage preparedness at bchydro.com/safety.