PHOTOS: Winds bring major power outages in B.C. amid disruptive storm
An impactful Pacific storm brought blustery winds and high precipitation rates along B.C.’s South Coast into Saturday morning. Significant power outages were incurred as a result of the winds, with well more than 100,000 people in the dark at one point
Waking up in the dark with no electricity was not the start to the weekend thousands of B.C. residents were hoping for, but that's what they got.
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Early on Saturday morning, a strong cold front swept across the South Coast, causing power outages for well in excess of 100,000 BC Hydro customers. At one point during the storm, there were more than 190,000 people without power.
As of early Sunday morning, under 5,000 customers are still without power on the South Coast, according to BC Hydro.
CBC News also reported that nearly 20 ferry sailings between the mainland and Vancouver Island were cancelled Friday evening as a result.
According to DriveBC, a landslide occurred on Saturday between Witherby Beach and Woolridge roads, eight kilometres north of Langdale, forcing a closure of the roadway.
Although it was not a deep low-pressure system, the strong, southerly winds ahead of the trailing cold front peaked in the waters of Georgia Strait and up Howe Sound, with wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h.
Vancouver International Airport recorded a wind gust of 72 km/h, which was the strongest since last November when a gust of 94 km/h occurred on Nov. 4.
Residents were also urged to brace for travel disruptions, particularly along the highway passes that were expecting heavy snow, and more ferry cancellations.
In addition to the winds, soaking rains were expected for the coast. Rainfall totals were forecast to reach up to 100 mm for Tofino and 20-60 mm for the Lower Mainland through the event.
WATCH: Significant power outages across parts of B.C.
A dip in freezing levels below 1200 metres also brought the opportunity for significant snowfall along the coastal mountains. Folks throughout the coastal alpine regions were forecast to see 50 cm of snow or more, serving as a tremendous boon for ski resorts and winter sports fans looking to get out.
However, the glut of snow made for difficult travel along the highway passes. Pack extra supplies and prepare for slow going if you have to travel through the region.
Another storm will arrive on Sunday, marking the return of active weather.
It didn't take long for visuals of the storm's impacts to appear on social media. Below is a selection of visuals currently making the rounds.
Thumbnail courtesy of Ryan Voutilainen/X.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest on conditions across B.C.
