Windstorm leaves thousands across the province without power
6:30 a.m. update
BC Hydro restores power to 99 per cent of customers impacted by storm
BC Hydro crews have restored power to 99,000 of the 100,000 customers impacted by the storm that hit on Thursday.
Crews have been working around-the-clock to restore power, replacing dozens of spans of power line as well power poles, transformers and cross-arms.
Crews will continue to work throughout the day and BC Hydro expects to have all remaining customers restored today – with the possible exception of small pockets of customers in more remote areas in the North.
BC Hydro appreciates its customers’ patience and will provide updated estimates for power restoration as they become available at bchydro.com/outages.
4:30 p.m. update
BC Hydro crews will work into the evening and overnight to restore power
VANCOUVER: BC Hydro crews have restored power to more than 89,000 customers after strong wind and rain left 100,000 customers without power.
As of 4:15 p.m., 10,700 customers were without power. The regional breakdown is as follows:
- Lower Mainland: 2,800 customers without power.
- Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands: 900 customers without power.
- North: 3,000 customers without power.
- Central Interior: 900 customers without power.
- Thompson/Shuswap: 3,100 customers without power.
Crews have worked throughout the day to repair damaged power lines, poles and transformers. They have made great progress restoring power throughout the day and will continue to work into the night and overnight. However, some small pockets of customers will be without power tonight, particularly in the North where damage is across the largest geographic region.
BC Hydro also wants to apologize and thank drivers and commuters for their patience as crews worked to repair the downed line that closed westbound traffic on Highway 1 earlier today. A special thanks goes out to emergency services who arrived on the scene quickly to make it safe for the public. The highway was reopened earlier this afternoon after repairs were completed.
For more information on estimates for power restoration, please visit bchydro.com/outages.
11:30 a.m. update
BC Hydro crews continue to respond to weather-related power outages across B.C.
VANCOUVER: Strong winds and heavy rain on Wednesday morning have resulted in power outages to more than 62,000 BC Hydro customers. While BC Hydro has restored power about 16,000 customers already, additional outages are expected as the storm event continues.
As of 11:15 a.m., there were 46,000 customers without power. The regional breakdown is as follows:
- Lower Mainland: 19,000 customers without power. The hardest hit areas include Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey.
- Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands: 16,000 customers without power. The hardest hit areas include Duncan and Port Alberni.
- North: 5,200 customers without power. The hardest hit area includes Fort St. James.
- Central Interior: 1,900 customers without power. The hardest hit area includes Prince George.
- Thompson/Shuswap: 3,700 customers without power. The hardest hit areas include 100 Mile House and Revelstoke.
The wind and rain has brought down dozens of drought-weakened trees and branches. All available BC Hydro crews and contractor crews will continue to work around-the-clock to repair damage and restore power to customers.
There is currently a power line down on Highway 1 near Brunette, and for safety reasons, westbound traffic is being diverted around it and off the highway. The eastbound HOV lane is also blocked. Crews are on site and repair work has started; however, it will take several hours to complete. BC Hydro is targeting to have this work completed by 3 p.m.
BC Hydro wants to remind customers to stay away from downed lines. A downed power line is an emergency. Call 911 and stay at least 10 metres back. BC Hydro crews will work with first responders to make the area safe.
BC Hydro understands that outages are disruptive and thanks its customers for their patience as crews work to repair the damage and restore power. BC Hydro will provide updated estimates for power restoration as they become available at bchydro.com/outages.
Original update:
VANCOUVER: Strong winds and heavy rain have left several thousand BC Hydro customers in parts of the province, without power on Thursday. Strong winds will continue, which are expected to result in additional outages.
As of 8:45 a.m., about 12,000 customers were without power. The regional breakdown is as follows:
- Lower Mainland: 1,800 customers without power
- Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands: 250 customers without power
- North: 6,800 customers without power
- Central Interior: 1,000 customers without power
- Thompson/Shuswap: 900 customers without power
The wind knocked down trees and branches causing them to come into contact with BC Hydro’s electrical equipment. As a result, crews are busy repairing damaged power lines.
Yesterday, BC Hydro warned customers to be prepared for weather-related power outages caused by weakened trees and drought.
All available BC Hydro crews and contractor crews are working to restore power. Crews will continue to work throughout the day.
BC Hydro understands that outages are disruptive and thanks its customers for their patience as crews work to repair the damage and restore power.
Crews are receiving reports of downed power lines. A downed power line is an emergency. Call 911 and stay at least 10 metres back. BC Hydro crews will work with first responders to make the area safe.
As repair work continues, BC Hydro will provide updated estimates for power restoration as they become available at bchydro.com/outages.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468