Tens of thousands of BC Hydro customers are without power after a potent storm battered the B.C. south coast overnight on Sunday, Nov. 3.
Heavy rainfall and powerful winds have caused localized flooding and tree branches to break across the Lower Mainland.
As of 10 a.m. on Monday, BC Hydro reports 65 outages affecting 46,917 customers in the Lower Mainland and the Sunshine Coast, up from 22,487 in its 9 a.m. report.
Environment Canada has also issued a special weather statement for the Lower Mainland due to the strong winds and heavy rains. Storm conditions are expected to persist through Monday, with heavy rains easing midday but powerful winds of 50 km/h gusting to 80 expected through the day and overnight.
Most of the significant power outages are located in Surrey and Langley, while others are affecting customers in Vancouver, Delta, Abbotsford, Maple Ridge, White Rock, Mission, and West Vancouver.
Several outages are under investigation but other areas have lost power due to trees down across wires.
Powerful winds in the Metro Vancouver weather forecast
Environment Canada Meteorologist Lisa Erven told V.I.A. that parts of Metro Vancouver, including Surrey and Langley, are experiencing more powerful winds. The department issued a wind warning for the areas with south winds gusting to 90 km/h.
Strong winds may damage buildings, such as roof shingles and windows. They may also toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break. Drivers may also encounter hazardous driving conditions on highways.
Thunderstorms are also possible through Tuesday morning and into the afternoon.
Erven said the strong winds are the "highlight" of the storm and will persist through the night. They should ease to 40 km/h gusting to 60 Tuesday morning.
Check the BC Hydro power outage map for more updates.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
