High winds: Downed trees, power lines force closure of Lougheed Highway in Maple Ridge

Strong winds in Maple Ridge Monday afternoon brought down trees and power lines on Lougheed Highway.

The trees came down in the 25800-block of the highway.

The road was closed in both directions between 240 Street and 272 Street, for hours. As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, the westbound lane opened to traffic but crews are still working in the area.

It was a scary situation for one family after their vehicle was trapped under the lines with three people inside.

They waited in the car until BC Hydro crews could get them out safely.

0:57 Labour Day weather statement in effect for B.C. south coast

A special weather statement was issued for most of B.C.’s south coast Monday with winds expected to gust between 40 and 70 km/h by the evening.

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The statement was in effect for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Okanagan Valley, Fraser Canyon, the Southern Gulf Islands and east Vancouver Island.

The winds are expected to pick up due to rising pressures in the B.C. interior.

The statement has now ended.

More to come.