Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for the South Coast of British Columbia, particularly affecting southeastern Metro Vancouver. The warning will take effect on Saturday, with winds potentially reaching speeds of 70 kilometers per hour. The conditions are expected to improve by Sunday morning.
Areas Affected by Wind Warning
The wind warning impacts several areas, including:
- Surrey
- Langley
- Juan de Fuca
- Southern Strait of Georgia
In certain exposed coastal regions, gusts may reach up to 90 km/h. Environment Canada has cautioned that high winds can toss loose objects, break tree branches, and potentially lead to power outages.
Impact on Transportation
On Friday, BC Ferries cancelled several sailings to and from Vancouver Island due to strong winds. There are currently no additional warnings for ferry operations on Saturday.
Power Outages and Safety Concerns
As of Saturday morning, BC Hydro reported multiple power outages across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. High winds caused trees to fall onto power lines, affecting thousands of customers. Key statistics include:
- More than 3,000 customers in southeast Vancouver are without power.
- Over 1,800 customers in Esquimalt, Vancouver Island, are also experiencing outages.
Additional Weather Warnings
Environment Canada has also warned of snowfall on the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt and on sections of Highway 3 in the B.C. Interior. There is an ongoing concern for flooding due to a fall storm system bringing heavy rains and high winds.
On Friday, police reported that eight individuals were rescued on northern Vancouver Island near Port Hardy. Vehicles became trapped due to flash flooding and debris obstructing roadways in both directions.
Residents are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions during this weather event.
