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Will the B.C. storm cause more power outages in Metro Vancouver?

Be prepared.
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The Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes windy, wet conditions with possible thunderstorms that might cause BC Hydro power outages on Sept. 26, 2023.

Locals might have been spared a potentially catastrophic storm to kick off the week — but there may be more weather chaos to contend with.

The Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes more wet and windy conditions with possible thunderstorms overnight on Tuesday, Sept. 26.

While a wind warning is no longer in effect, conditions can evolve rapidly. Moreover, winds up to 30 km/h are expected to continue through the day and overnight.

The B.C. storm was caused by a bomb cyclone that strengthened over the Pacific Ocean. However, the tempest began tracking northward as it approached the coast, sparing the mainland from widespread damage. 

Still, on Monday evening, BC Hydro crews worked to restore power to thousands of customers across the Lower Mainland, including 479 customers in the City of Vancouver, 955 in North and West Vancouver, and 2,000 in Richmond. 

In total, roughly 9,000 BC Hydro customers were without power at the peak of the storm, primarily in places on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, spokesperson Susie Rieder told V.I.A. 

BC Hydro encourages customers to be prepared for a power outage by:

  1. Having an emergency kit: supplies should last for at least 72 hours and include a flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable foods, and bottled water.
  2. Getting information about the latest power outage updates online with BC Hydro. 
  3. Understanding the dangers of electrical equipment: a downed or damaged power line should always be considered an emergency even if it is not smoking, sparking, or making a buzzing sound. Always assume the line is live, stay back at least 10 metres (the length of a bus), and call 911 to report.

Metro Vancouver weather forecast and possible BC Hydro power outages

Weatherhood shows detailed forecasts for neighbourhoods across the Lower Mainland.

The Downtown Centre Weatherhood station in Vancouver shows stormy conditions carrying into the evening. Based on the hourly forecast, a brief respite from the rain is expected to transition back to showers in the afternoon and continue overnight. You can toggle the forecast to see it broken down over six, 12, or 24 hours. 

The seven-day forecast, on the other hand, offers a glance at what to look forward to for the rest of the week, including the expected shift to a sunny respite.

Locals can choose between over 50 Weatherhood stations across the Lower Mainland, including along the Sunshine Coast, all the way up to Whistler. They can use the tools to stay up-to-date on the forecast for their neighbourhood as well as what to expect on their commute. 

Heading into the rest of October, temperatures are expected to be warmer than average with above-average precipitation. In other words, if you want to head out to a haunted corn maze or a pumpkin patch, this might be an ideal weekend to enjoy your outdoor fall activities.

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Photo via Weatherhood

 

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Photo via Weatherhood