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B.C. storm: Thousands wake up without power after wet, windy night

People around B.C. are being urged to use caution today as wind and rain warnings are in effect across much of the South Coast and Vancouver Island. Thousands are without power as of 8 a.m. Tuesday – Oct 17, 2017

It was a stormy start to the day for many areas of B.C. on Tuesday.

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A rainfall warning has now ended for the following regions:

  • Metro Vancouver
  • Fraser Valley
  • Howe Sound
  • Central Coast – inland
  • West Vancouver Island

Heavy rain fell in these regions, with total rainfall amounts expected to be between 50 to 70 millimetres.

Environment Canada says even heavier amounts up to about 100 millimetres were likely in the mountains and over parts of Howe Sound, especially near Port Mellon.

READ MORE: Winter tire rules now in effect across B.C.: what you need to know

WATCH: First fall storm set to hit Metro Vancouver

Wind warnings

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The other concern on Tuesday was strong winds, with wind warnings in effect overnight for many areas of B.C.

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Wind gusts peaked at 84 km/h in many areas Tuesday morning.

Warnings for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands ended early Tuesday afternoon.

However, warnings remain in effect for:

  • 100 Mile
  • Central Coast
  • Haida Gwaii
  • North Coast
  • North Columbia
  • North Thompson
  • North Vancouver Island
  • Shuswap
  • South Thompson
  • West Columbia

Transit delays

Coquitlam transit commuters faced a minor delay Tuesday morning after some flooding in a SkyTrain tunnel.

One of the drains on the guideway near the Burquitlam tunnel was plugged by leaves and branches.

Spokesperson Jill Drews said it was a relatively easy fix and isn’t expected to be a big problem this fall.

“We were able to get a crew out right away to clear it and the water was drained immediately. That’s why the drains are there, to keep water off the system. And as long as they are free and clear, it should work as designed.”

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TransLink was able to get service running after a 10-minute delay.

Power outages

These strong winds are knocking out power to many areas across B.C.

About 16,500 BC Hydro customers are without power right now around B.C., 20,000 of them on the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast.

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BC Hydro is keeping track of the power outages on its website.

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