National

BC Hydro says most power outages fixed after bomb cyclone, but new storm looms

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 21 Nov, 2024 10:53 AM

BC Hydro says it has restored power to 90 per cent of customers who lost electricity this week when hurricane-force winds slammed into parts of the British Columbia coast, but forecasters say a new storm is on the way.

Winds from the so-called bomb cyclone weather system exceeded 100 km/h in some places Wednesday, with Environment Canada data showing remote Sartine Island off northern Vancouver Island hit by the most powerful gusts of the day, reaching 113 km/h.

#BCStorm update: Crews have been working around the clock since the windstorm began on Tuesday and have restored power to more than 90% of customers. Around 28,000 remain without power on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Work will continue throughout the day. Read our… pic.twitter.com/IybVeibXVF
— BC Hydro (@bchydro) November 21, 2024

The power utility says that as of 6:30 a.m. Thursday, 290,000 of the 320,000 customers affected by outages had regained power.

That leaves 28,000 people without electricity, but BC Hydro says crews have been "working around the clock" since Tuesday night, replacing dozens of downed power lines, poles and other electrical equipment.

#BCstorm update: With 80% of customers restored, all available crews are continuing to work throughout the night tonight to bring power back to more customers. There’s extensive damage and tough conditions but they’re working as quickly and safely as possible to restore remaining… pic.twitter.com/N5lED2DPCK
— BC Hydro (@bchydro) November 21, 2024

Environment Canada says strong winds are expected to continue today for inlets and valleys along the north and central coast.

The weather office also issued another special weather statement for Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, saying another fall storm will bring high winds again on Friday .

It says windspeeds are expected to increase throughout the day before easing by Saturday, and the Environment Canada is again warning about possible power outages and travel delays.

There is also a wind warning for southern sections of Howe Sound including Bowen Island, with gusts of up to 90 km/h expected overnight, peaking Friday morning before easing in the afternoon.

Further east, the office issued a snowfall warning for the Kootenay Lake region, with up to 25 cm expected before tapering this morning.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Transportation Safety Board issues safety reminders after fatal B.C. plane crash

A report from the Transportation Safety Board says an investigation couldn't determine a specific cause of a fatal small plane crash in southeastern B.C. last year, but it has prompted some reminders for operators. A witness near the community of Brisco, B.C., called 911 on Nov. 24, 2023, to say they had watched the Piper Cherokee nose dive into the ground, but it took searchers another 17 hours before they found the wreck and the dead pilot inside.

Transportation Safety Board issues safety reminders after fatal B.C. plane crash

Lightning-caused wildfires expected to persist in B.C.: Wildfire Service

The BC Wildfire Service says hot and dry weather paired with 29 consecutive days of lightning has led to the more than 400 active wildfires burning across the province. Though seasonable temperatures are forecast to return this week, the service says new lightning-caused fires are expected to persist.

Lightning-caused wildfires expected to persist in B.C.: Wildfire Service

BC United promises huge provincial income tax cut, raising exemption to $50,000

The leader of British Columbia's Opposition says he would introduce the largest provincial income tax cut in provincial history if his party is elected to form government this fall. Kevin Falcon says BC United would eliminate the tax on the first $50,000 earned by every person in B.C., allowing taxpayers to keep an additional $2,050 on average.

BC United promises huge provincial income tax cut, raising exemption to $50,000

Parliamentary committee to probe how Toronto terror suspect was admitted to Canada

A House of Commons committee will investigate how a man who is now facing terror charges was admitted to Canada and obtained citizenship. Members of Parliament on the public safety and national security committee voted unanimously on Tuesday to launch a study on the terror suspects arrested in the Toronto area last month.

Parliamentary committee to probe how Toronto terror suspect was admitted to Canada

Canada's foreign worker program 'breeding ground' for modern slavery: report

A recently released international report says Canada's temporary foreign worker program is a "breeding ground" for contemporary slavery. The final report by a United Nations special rapporteur who visited Canada last year says a power imbalance prevents workers from exercising their rights.

Canada's foreign worker program 'breeding ground' for modern slavery: report

Surrey Mayor to review penalties for fire ban violations

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has directed staff to conduct a review of financial penalties for violating fire bans in an effort to potentially increase the fines. It comes after the city says its fire department has responded to more than 400 brush and grass fires since May 1st, most of which were caused by human activity.