Thousands without power, trees down in B.C. as storm sweeps through on Monday

Hundreds of thousands of British Columbians were without power on Monday due to a powerful storm that swept across the South Coast.

Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, Victoria, Sechelt and White Rock were some of the hardest-hit areas along with northern and southern Vancouver Island.

As of 2:30 p.m., about 225,000 customers had been impacted, which could increase until the winds subside, BC Hydro said in a statement.

Some customers will be without power overnight due to extensive damage.

1:49 Fast moving storm hits B.C.’s South Coast

Wind speeds of up to 100 km/h were recorded in Victoria, while Chilliwack saw winds of 85 km/h and the Vancouver Airport recorded winds of up to 77 km/h.

In Langley, a number of schools were closed on Monday due to power outages. The school district is providing an updated list. As of 3 p.m. Capilano University’s North Vancouver main campus was closed.

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BC Hydro says crews are out and working to restore power.

“After a multi-year drought, vegetation has been weakened across the province, making it more susceptible to wind,” the organization said in a statement.

“As a result, many dead and damaged tress and branches have fallen, causing them to come into contact with BC Hydro’s electrical equipment.”

1:56 Windstorm causes damage across B.C. South Coast

Trees came down on roads and cars in Delta and Langley.

Highway traffic was also affected with trees down on the Sunshine Coast Highway, Highway 14 on Vancouver Island was closed for a few hours between Kangaroo Road and Humpback Road due to fallen trees, a tree was blocking some lanes of Highway 1 in Burnaby at the Gaglardi Way exit, and trees came down on Highway 1 in Langley.

Environment Canada issued a number of wind warnings for areas including parts of the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and the Chilcotin.

1:56 North Vancouver residents call for help after atmospheric river

The organization said a strong Pacific frontal system moved across parts of the province on Monday.

Winds could get stronger in the afternoon and into the evening, which could bring more power outages or cause issues on the roads.

Along with strong winds, some areas will also get hit hard with heavy rain, which could amount to between 70 and 100 millimetres.

Drivers through the mountain passes are warned to drive to the conditions, make sure they have proper tires on their car and pack supplies in case they are delayed.

Drivers are also being warned about water pooling on roads.

Anyone travelling on BC Ferries should check to make sure there are no issues on the route before heading to the terminal.