Heavy rain and strong winds led to a large number of B.C. residents without electricity on Thursday.
This was due to the first major storm of the season following long-lasting drought that lasted through the fall.
A weather warning, i.e. Heavy Rain, was in force in the Metro Vancouver’s North Shore and northeast. Including, Coquitlam and Maple Ridge on Thursday evening.
News From Environment Canada:
Environment Canada said another 50 to 70 millimetres of heavy rain could fall. The agency also warned of high winds of 60 km/h with gusts up to 80 km/h. Obviously, are still possible close to at the Georgia Strait.
Storm season is here. Be prepared for weather-related outages: https://t.co/We9vK46Glp pic.twitter.com/Xtpce0Yj7D
— BC Hydro (@bchydro) October 26, 2022
BC Hydro said it had significantly made progress in restoration of power to affected customers. Furthermore, said that the crews would continue to work until late at evening.
The breakdown of regions is as the following:
Lower Mainland: 2,800 customers not able to get electricity.
Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands: 900 people not having electricity.
North – 3,000 customers not having electricity.
Central Interior Central Interior: 900 people are without power.
Thompson/Shuswap 3100 customers are not able to get electricity:
At 4:00 p.m. BC Hydro reported about 10,700 customers out of power, which is a drop from an all-time high of over 100,000.
“The wind smashed down branches and trees, causing them to be in the BC Hydro’s electric apparatus,” said BC Hydro staff in a statement.
“All readily available BC Hydro crews and contractor crews are working to restore the power. The crews will continue to work all day (Thursday).”
Crews continue to receive reports of power lines. These are the power lines found to be damaged across the Province due to heavy rain.
BC Hydro is urging residents to report any downed power lines to its hotline 1-800-224-9376, or call 911.
DriveBC is also reporting that a downed cable that has caused an extended traffic delay close to the Brunette Avenue. exit of Highway 1 going westbound.
⛔#BCHwy1 CLOSED westbound due to a downed @bchydro cable at Brunette Ave. Expect delays due to heavy congestion. Eastbound HOV lane blocked. https://t.co/xQSKPF7iJD #Coquitlam #PortMannBridge #SurreyBC pic.twitter.com/f6hxIBJYbZ
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) October 27, 2022
Due to the power outages. Affected due to reasons of heavy rain was the general status of certain institutions.
In Langley the five schools were without power on Thursday, also due to heavy rain. Obviously, just as normal were the classes held. Hence, as announced by the school district.
There is a power outage at the following schools:
Brookswood Secondary School
Langley Fundamental Middle and Secondary School
H.D. Stafford Middle School
Glenwood Elementary
Uplands Elementary
Classes are continuing. Please continue to check the District website for updates. pic.twitter.com/JJw8igCbz8— Langley Schools (@LangleySchools) October 27, 2022
BC Hydro is providing updates and estimates of power restoration when they are made available on their website. Especially, due to heavy rain.