BC Hydro warns of further outages as more storms approach

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BC Hydro crews continue to restore power after damaging winds brought down trees and branches and caused widespread power outages across the province Friday. 

Customers are being warned to prepare for more trouble with other storm systems approaching.

In a news release, BC Hydro says about 80,000 homes and businesses were without power at one point of Friday’s bad weather but the total number affected due to the high winds was much higher. 

The crown corporation’s meteorologists are closely monitoring as many as three more weather systems expected to lash the coast and other regions of the province by mid-week. 

The next one on the way is forecast to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the south and central coasts beginning Saturday, with some gusts potentially more damaging.

“Friday’s storm caused significant damage, and we’re preparing for more challenging weather in the days ahead,” said Whitney Deane, BC Hydro spokesperson.  

“Our crews and resources will be working around the clock to restore power and respond to new outages as quickly and safely as possible, and we’re encouraging customers to be prepared.” 

The hardest-hit areas so far include Prince George and surrounding communities, Port Hardy, Courtenay and Qualicum.  Crews are repairing damaged power lines, poles and other electrical equipment, with restoration work expected to continue throughout the day. 

The storm systems hit as new BC Hydro research released this week highlights how conditions that develop months before storm season can make trees more vulnerable when the severe weather arrives. 

BC Hydro’s new report, The new reality: Emergency season is year-round, finds prolonged drought and heat can weaken trees and root systems, while wildfires can damage trees that remain standing.  

The report found those effects can linger into fall and winter and may not become apparent until high winds and heavy rain put weakened trees under additional stress. 

BC Hydro says it has tripled annual vegetation management spending over the past several years to approximately $150 million to identify and remove hazardous trees and vegetation near power lines. 

Customers are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of further outages before the next storms arrive, including making sure they have a stocked 72-hour emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies. 

You can also download the new BC Hydro mobile app which provides outage information specific to a customer’s address, including the cause, when the outage began, estimated restoration time and the latest updates.  

Customers can also find the latest information at bchydro.com/outages. 

During an outage, customers should stay at least 10 metres away from downed, damaged or low-hanging power lines and call 9-1-1 to report them. 

You can learn more about storm and outage preparedness at bchydro.com/safety.