First of season storms bring ‘minor’ flooding, outages to B.C.
As storms continue across B.C., authorities are warning about high winds bringing more power outages and the dangers of rising water levels.
As British Columbia's storm season begins, the first major weather system has drenched much of Vancouver Island and coastal areas with over 200 mm of rain, following a particularly dry October. Coastal communities are bracing for rising water levels and damaging winds, while an estimated 40,000 customers remain without power, nearly half of those affected at the storm's peak on Friday. Prince George, Port Hardy, Courtenay, and Qualicum were hit hardest by the storm.
BC Hydro spokesperson Whitney Deane warned that restoration work is ongoing, and more challenging weather is expected in the coming days. Crews and resources will be deployed around-the-clock to restore power and respond to new outages as quickly and safely as possible. High streamflow advisories are in effect for most of the island, with waterways rapidly rising in parts of northern and western Vancouver Island, reaching two to five-year return levels on Friday.
Environment Canada has issued a coastal flooding statement for much of the island's west coast, predicting minor flooding along low-lying shorelines this weekend due to elevated ocean levels, strong winds, and waves. The Village of Zeballos issued an evacuation order on Friday due to landslide risks. A third storm is expected to hit Monday, potentially bringing a prolonged period of rainfall across B.C.'s coast through next week.
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