Thousands without power in B.C. amid high winds, storm surge warning issued

VANCOUVER — More than 80,000 customers in B.C.’s Lower Mainland are without power Saturday morning as high winds batter the province.

Environment Canada warned that the Metro Vancouver area could be hit with 70-kilometre-per-hour winds and gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour as a low-pressure system moves in.

Bowen Island, Lions Bay, West Vancouver to Boundary Bay, and Saturna Island are expected to see winds gusting up to 90 kilometers per hour this afternoon before easing in the early evening, it forecast.

Environment Canada has also issued a coastal flooding warning for the Greater Victoria coastline and Vancouver Island coastline, including areas from Cordova Bay to East Sooke.

The wind event might cause damage to buildings, especially to roof shingles and windows, it said.

Already more than 81,000 customers are without power across the lower Mainland Saturday morning, said BC Hydro, after high winds led to downed lines, fallen trees and power outrages.

BC Ferries says it has cancelled multiple sailings due to high winds in the Strait of Georgia, affecting sailings travelling between Vancouver and Victoria, Vancouver and Nanaimo.

Environment Canada is also warning of a storm surge on B.C’s south coast that could reach a metre high.

It says a deep low-pressure system is expected to make landfall over northern Vancouver Island on Saturday, which can develop strong southeast winds across Haro Strait.

Minor coastal flooding is possible along exposed shorelines, especially in low-lying areas, and residents should be prepared for higher-than-usual water levels accompanied by waves or stronger currents.

It said coastal areas of Metro Vancouver and the entire western side of Vancouver Island are vulnerable to the surge.

Elevated ocean water levels along with significant wind and waves are expected, which the forecaster says will likely exceed the highest tide.

It warns that coastal flooding due to large waves will coincide with that high tide.

In Metro Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Richmond and Delta are all vulnerable to the surge with flooding likely near the coastline and nearby low-lying areas.

It said the threat comes with high tides on Saturday from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the afternoon.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 14, 2024.

The Canadian Press