Overnight storm brings power outages, travel woes to parts of B.C.

An unusually strong storm battered southern British Columbia overnight, causing widespread power outages and disrupting travel for thousands. The storm brought heavy rain and frequent lightning strikes, prompting severe thunderstorm warnings from Environment Canada for Metro Vancouver, Whistler, the Southern Gulf Islands and parts of Vancouver Island. Vancouver International Airport reported that passengers were stranded between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., with outgoing flights delayed and incoming aircraft unable to reach gates due to lightning activity. The airport stated that flight operations remain disrupted as staff work to restore normal schedules. The storm's impact was felt across multiple areas of the province. BC Hydro’s outage map showed thousands of customers without electricity during the early morning hours, primarily due to lightning strikes and fallen trees damaging infrastructure. In Central British Columbia, heavy rainfall affected the Cariboo and Chilcotin regions, with Environment Canada forecasting up to 50 millimeters of precipitation in some locations. These conditions led to localized flooding and road closures, complicating travel for residents and emergency responders alike. Emergency services reported increased calls related to the storm, including reports of downed power lines and flooded roads. Local authorities urged residents to stay indoors during the worst of the weather and to avoid unnecessary travel. In Metro Vancouver, transit agencies faced challenges with service disruptions, though they worked to resume regular operations as soon as possible. Some bus routes were temporarily suspended, while ferry services experienced delays due to unsafe water conditions. The storm followed a period of relatively calm weather in the region, making its sudden arrival more disruptive. Meteorologists noted that the intensity of the storm was higher than average for this time of year, contributing to the severity of its effects. Lightning strikes were particularly frequent, leading to multiple power outages and forcing utility companies to prioritize repairs in densely populated areas. In rural communities, downed trees posed additional risks, requiring crews to clear pathways and restore access to essential services. Residents in affected areas described the storm as one of the strongest they had encountered recently. “It was like a real-life movie scene,” said one local resident in Whistler, who remained inside throughout the night. Others shared similar accounts, emphasizing the suddenness of the weather shift and the difficulty of navigating the streets under dark skies and reduced visibility. Social media platforms saw numerous posts from individuals sharing photos and videos of the storm’s aftermath, including flooded streets and damaged vehicles. As the storm passed, officials began assessing the extent of the damage and planning recovery efforts. BC Hydro confirmed that many power lines had been restored, though some areas still faced intermittent outages. Transportation departments reported ongoing work to clear roads and reopen public transit. While the immediate danger has subsided, the long-term effects of the storm, such as potential property damage and infrastructure repair costs, are yet to be fully understood. Emergency management teams are monitoring the situation closely, prepared to respond to any further developments.