British Columbia experienced severe weather overnight Thursday, leading to widespread power outages and travel disruptions across the region. Strong winds and heavy rainfall were reported, primarily affecting Vancouver Island, the central interior, and parts of northern B.C.
Power Outages Impact Thousands
According to B.C. Hydro, around 7,500 residents were without electricity as of Friday evening, mainly in the Lower Mainland and central Interior. Restoration efforts are underway, with teams working to address the outages caused by fallen trees and debris.
Travel Disruptions and Rescue Efforts
Travel was significantly hampered on northern Vancouver Island due to landslides and road washouts. DriveBC reported multiple incidents, including:
- Head Bay Road between Gold River Road and Tlupana Road
- Holberg Road in Port Hardy
Authorities in Port Hardy received an SOS call regarding eight individuals trapped by rising floodwaters. Rescuers were dispatched to the area after a group in an RV attempted to offer help but became stranded themselves. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria was alerted at 10:30 p.m. PT on Thursday, deploying a Royal Canadian Air Force helicopter under challenging conditions.
Rescue Operations
Lt.-Col. Claude Rivard of 442 Squadron reported that his team was conducting a training flight when they received the emergency request. Fortunately, the helicopter was able to safely extract the trapped individuals, who were then transported to Port Hardy airport. Thankfully, none required hospitalization.
Ferry Services Affected
B.C. Ferries cancelled multiple sailings connecting Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland due to unsafe conditions in the Strait of Georgia. Passengers with reservations were notified and offered options for alternative sailings or booking cancellations. Hullo Ferries maintained operations but warned customers of potential service interruptions due to weather conditions.
Weather Overview and Forecast
Environment Canada recorded significant rainfall, including:
- 139 millimeters on Sartine Island
- 134 millimeters in Tahsis
The B.C. River Forecast Centre downgraded the flood warning for some areas to a high streamflow advisory, indicating potential minor flooding in low-lying regions. While the storm system is expected to move out of the province, rainfall warnings remain in effect for Metro Vancouver, with an additional 70 millimeters forecasted.
The impact of this autumn storm in B.C. highlights the need for preparedness during challenging weather events. Residents are urged to stay informed and follow safety guidelines as recovery efforts continue.
