Severe Thunderstorm Brings Hail, Flooding and 1,600 Lightning Strikes Across Southern B.C.
Shraddha Tripathy
8/17/20261 min read
A severe thunderstorm swept across parts of Metro Vancouver and British Columbia’s South Coast Friday morning, bringing loud thunder, bright lightning, hail and reports of localized flooding.
Environment Canada issued a yellow severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Metro Vancouver after identifying a storm over Belcarra at around 8 a.m. PT.
The agency said areas that could also be affected included Seymour Heights, Deep Cove and Mount Seymour Park.
Lightning was also detected across Vancouver, North Vancouver and Burnaby.
Hail and Flooding Reported in Burnaby
Brian Proctor, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said thunderstorms had been moving across the North Shore and the mountains of Vancouver Island during the overnight hours.
“It’s just been a typical sort of nocturnal thunderstorm pattern,” Proctor said.
Hail and some flooding were reported in north Burnaby, he added.
While thunderstorms are somewhat unusual in the Vancouver-Squamish region, Proctor said they are not unheard of.
“It’s more unusual to see them through the overnight hours into the early morning hours,” he said.
About 1,600 Lightning Strikes Recorded
Environment Canada recorded approximately 1,600 lightning strikes across much of southern B.C., including Vancouver Island, during a 12-hour period overnight.
Proctor said that total was somewhat higher than what would typically be expected during overnight hours.
The B.C. Wildfire Service said four wildfires burning on Vancouver Island were suspected to have been caused by lightning.
Thunderstorms can produce dangerous conditions including heavy rain, strong winds and damaging hail.
“Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are expected to produce damaging hail, wind or rain,” Environment Canada said.
More Thunderstorms Possible
Proctor said residents should remain prepared for further thunderstorms, with additional activity possible Friday evening and into the weekend.
Environment Canada advised people to take immediate shelter when thunderstorms approach and to protect themselves from hail and flying debris.
“If you hear thunder, go indoors,” Proctor said. “That’s the most important thing you can possibly do.”
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