An overnight storm has left tens of thousands of people along B.C.’s South Coast without power.
According to BC Hydro, just over 200 power outages were affecting 79,000 customers in the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast as of noon Saturday, while another 3,200 customers along the north end of Vancouver Island were also without power.
BC Hydro said crews would be working around the clock to restore power.
At its peak, BC Hydro says more than 232,000 customers were affected, but that power has been restored to 147,000 customers so far.
The hardest-hit areas, said BC Hydro, are Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge and Vancouver.
A wind warning was issued Friday afternoon but has since been lifted, with the storm now heading inland towards the Interior; however, in its wake, debris was scattered across roadways.
“Drought-damaged trees and branches came down on electrical equipment during the windstorm, causing significant damage,” said BC Hydro, adding it has all hands on deck responding to the storm.
“All available BC Hydro crews and contractor crews are working hard to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Crews are busy replacing power lines, poles and other equipment to get the lights back on.”
On Saturday, a rainfall warning was in effect for the Fraser Valley, with 50 to 70 mm expected.
Residents are urged to unclog catch basins to avoid potential flash floods and pooling water on roadways.
A map showing the power outages is available on BC Hydro’s website.
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