Power outages hit more than 80,000 homes across B.C.’s Lower Mainland as windstorm sweeps region

A fast-moving wind and rainstorm has left more than 80,000 customers without power across B.C.’s Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast, as the region continues to recover from widespread flooding last week.

B.C. Hydro says the outages began early Wednesday and mark the third major weather-related power disruption in just a few days. About 6,000 additional customers on Vancouver Island were also without electricity, with several outages linked directly to high winds.

In Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, all schools were closed after most school buildings lost power, according to the local school board.

Kevin Aquino of B.C. Hydro said years of drought have weakened trees across the region, making them more likely to snap or topple during windstorms.

“Unfortunately, we’re at the mercy of Mother Nature right now,” Aquino said, adding that crews are working continuously to restore power as safely and quickly as possible.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for the Lower Mainland, warning of wind gusts reaching up to 80 kilometres per hour. In the central and eastern Fraser Valley — including Chilliwack and Hope — gusts could reach 100 kilometres per hour.

Forecasters warned the winds could cause falling trees, power outages and travel disruptions, urging residents to secure loose objects and stay well clear of downed power lines.

The storm arrives as the Fraser Valley continues to deal with the aftermath of intense rainfall and flooding. Large areas were placed under states of local emergency last week, hundreds of residents were evacuated and several major highways were closed.

Flood warnings remain in effect for parts of Abbotsford and Chilliwack, where rivers have exceeded or are expected to exceed their banks. The Coquitlam River in Port Coquitlam was upgraded to a flood warning Tuesday night, while much of the South Coast remains under flood watch.

Officials are advising people to avoid riverbanks, never attempt to drive through flooded roads or crossings, and keep storm drains clear to reduce localized flooding.

Transportation officials say a 60-kilometre stretch of Highway 3 southeast of Hope remains closed, and water pooling has been reported on several Metro Vancouver roadways. Reduced speed limits are in place on parts of Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley.

Emergency officials say changing conditions mean risks could escalate quickly as wind, rain and saturated ground continue to strain already vulnerable infrastructure.