Introduction

A ferocious storm with powerful winds has wreaked havoc across the South Coast of British Columbia, unleashing a cascade of weather warnings, ferry cancellations, and damage reports, including a significant landslide.

Weather Warnings and Wind Speeds

Environment Canada has issued wind warnings for key areas, including Metro Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Victoria, and both East and West Vancouver Island, as well as the Southern Gulf Islands. The tempest unleashed southeast winds clocking in at a staggering 70 km/h, with gusts between 90 and 100 km/h forecasted to last through the morning. Thankfully, the winds are expected to subside in the afternoon as the low pressure system moves inland.

Power Outages

Despite a potential easing of conditions, Bowen Island, Lions Bay, and regions from West Vancouver to Boundary Bay will continue to face challenging winds until early evening—a situation that remains concerning for local residents and businesses. As the winds intensified, power outages became widespread. According to BC Hydro, nearly 200,000 customers were left in darkness across the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, and Vancouver Island. In Ucluelet and Tofino alone, around 4,800 customers faced outages, with fallen trees wreaking havoc on structures and power lines alike. BC Hydro estimates that power restoration efforts may not be completed until Saturday evening due to extensive damage and difficult access in these remote areas.

Transportation Disruptions

Adding to the chaos, ferry and water taxi services on Quadra Island have been suspended until at least 2:30 p.m., preventing essential travel and transportation for residents and tourists alike. A dramatic landslide has also been reported on Highway 99 in Lions Bay, blocking both directions after debris cascaded down onto a bridge at Brunswick Beach around 10:30 a.m. By the afternoon, pictures from the scene revealed a significant mess of fallen trees and rubble. Authorities from Squamish RCMP informed that the highway would likely remain closed until midnight, urging drivers to steer clear of the hazardous area.

BC Ferries and Travel Impacts

The storm's fury has not spared BC Ferries; multiple sailings have been canceled due to the unsafe weather conditions. Key cancellations include several routes between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, Duke Point, and Horseshoe Bay, leaving travelers stranded and frustrated during this tumultuous weekend.

Conclusion and Safety Advisories

In light of the severe weather, residents are advised to stay indoors, remain updated on the situation via local news channels, and prepare for ongoing disruptions. This storm serves as a stark reminder of the raw power of nature and the need for preparedness in dealing with extreme weather events.