New Storm Targets Vancouver Island as B.C. Hydro Works to Restore Power to Thousands

B.C. Hydro crews are racing against time to restore power to around 30,000 properties on Vancouver Island still impacted by the “bomb cyclone” earlier this week, as another storm approaches the region.

Environment Canada has issued warnings for a new weather system expected to hit southwestern British Columbia Thursday night. While this storm is forecast to be less intense than the previous one, it could still cause additional damage and delay ongoing cleanup efforts.

B.C. Hydro reported Thursday morning that it has restored power to over 90 per cent of the 320,000 customers affected by the midweek storm, which brought hurricane-force winds that toppled trees and damaged infrastructure.

“Crews have been working around the clock to repair the extensive damage, replacing dozens of spans of power line, power poles, and other electrical equipment,” a B.C. Hydro spokesperson said.

The utility aims to restore power to most remaining customers by the end of Thursday, with crews scheduled to arrive on Gabriola Island in the morning and Denman and Hornby islands by the afternoon.

Incoming Storm Details

Environment Canada says a developing low-pressure system will move north along the B.C. coast Thursday evening, bringing increasing southeasterly winds through Friday.

Winds are expected to peak Friday afternoon and evening, with gusts of up to 90 km/h forecast for southern Howe Sound and Bowen Island.

Drivers are being warned of hazardous conditions on highways due to potential strong crosswinds, while the risk of further damage, power outages, and falling trees remains high.

Snowfall in the Southeast

Meanwhile, snowfall warnings have been issued for southeastern B.C., where up to 25 centimetres is expected in areas around Creston and Fernie by Thursday morning.

Environment Canada cautions residents to prepare for delays, disruptions, and challenging conditions as B.C. faces another round of severe weather.