Tens of thousands of people on B.C.’s South Coast were left in the dark after gusts of more than 80 kilometres an hour knocked down trees and damaged power lines.
BC Hydro reported more than 75,000 customers were powerless just before 12:30 a.m. Friday after a low-pressure system moved across the South Coast late in the evening.
Crews worked through the night to restore power to hard hit areas including Surrey, Delta and Langley.
On Thursday, Environment Canada issued wind warnings for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Greater Victoria, Howe Sound and the Southern Gulf Islands, saying the regions could be pounded by gusts between 60 to 80 km/h.
Police in West Vancouver warned residents to stay inside over fears of falling trees.
Very high winds are causing havoc in West Vancouver trees falling, stay home if you can, keep travel to minimum, tree down in causeway.
— West Vancouver PD (@WestVanPolice) December 12, 2014
E-Comm pleaded with residents to report power outages to BC Hydro after 911 operators were “inundated” with calls about the storm, according to spokeswoman Jody Robertson.
“We really do need to ask for the public’s help in keeping 911 lines free for true emergencies,” she said.
But Roberston said if people see downed power lines, they should stay far away and call 911.
The strong winds eased overnight as the system moved inland.
