B.C.’s South Coast escaped the worst of a major forecast Pacific Storm on Friday.
Environment Canada forecasts predicted wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour on Friday night for some areas of the Lower Mainland.
By Friday evening, the most powerful gusts had topped around 70 kilometres per hour in Abbotsford, and it appeared the storm had tracked south — with Washington state bearing the brunt of the effects.
South of the border, more than 100,000 people lost their power across Washington state on Friday evening. In Metro Vancouver and the sunshine coast, BC Hydro reported just 8,100 customers in the dark by 10 p.m.
Environment Canada ended its wind warnings for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley shortly after 9:30 p.m.
A number of ferry sailings were cancelled ahead of the storm, though service was resumed Friday afternoon.
Winds led led to delays on the slopes as lifts and gondolas were operating in a limited capacity — or were outright closed — on the North Shore and the Sea to Sky corridor.
The Vancouver Park Board also cancelled the Bright Nights Christmas Train due to concerns about Douglas firs in the area which may be vulnerable to strong winds.
WATCH: BC Hydro, BC Ferries prepare for windstorm expected to slam into B.C.’s south coast
BC Hydro said it was “all hands on deck” as it braced for the possibility of power outages.
North Vancouver Island was hit hard earlier on Friday, with close to 11,000 customers losing power at the worst point of the storm.
BC Hydro issued a warning Friday about the dangers of downed power lines.
The gusts come after heavy rains pelted the region on Thursday.
WATCH: Otters go for a swim on Still Creek Drive in Burnaby
— With files from Sarah MacDonald
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