Thousands remain without power after second windstorm wallops B.C.

Thousands of British Columbians continue to lack power after the second storm in a series battered the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island on Sunday, with approximately 63,000 residents experiencing outages by 7 a.m. local time. The peak of the storm saw around 135,000 residents without power, according to BC Hydro. The hardest hit areas included Surrey, Duncan, Port Hardy, and Prince George, where strong winds toppled branches and trees, damaging power lines, poles, and other electrical equipment.

Since Friday, when the first storm struck, BC Hydro has recorded over 380,000 power outages, with 317,000 customers having their power restored. However, as winds continue this morning, additional damage and outages are expected before conditions improve. BC Hydro spokesperson Whitney Deane emphasized that crews were prepared for the storm and making progress, but warned of further outages as strong winds persist.

The utility will provide updated restoration estimates as they reach outage locations but advises residents to maintain a minimum distance of 10 meters from downed, damaged, or low-hanging power lines and to call 911 to report them. The weekend's storms are the result of successive atmospheric rivers traversing B.C., with coastal communities facing rising water levels and the mainland bracing for damaging winds.

Environment Canada has issued numerous wind and rainfall warnings for the island and Lower Mainland, with gusts up to 90 km/h and rainfall amounts of up to 50 mm possible in certain areas, including Metro Vancouver's North Shore.

Special weather statements have been issued for the B.C. Interior, including regions like the Cariboo, Fraser Canyon, 100 Mile House, South Thompson, the Coquihalla Highway, and the Okanagan Connector. These areas can expect wind gusts ranging from 60 to 80 km/h, although winds are expected to ease slightly before a strong push of up to 90 km/h gusts arrives later this morning in western regions. Winds are anticipated to subside by this evening.

Despite initial concerns about weekend cancellations, most BC Ferries services are operating on Sunday, including those between Metro Vancouver and Nanaimo. However, departures from Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen are also running. An incoming cold front will bring a strong push of up to 90 km/h gusts late this morning for western regions, but winds will ease by evening.

According to forecast, a third storm expected to hit Monday may result in a prolonged period of rainfall across B.C.’s coast throughout next week.