candle in power outage / Shutterstock
Extremely strong winds have caused power outages across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
Environment Canada issued a wind warning for all of Metro Vancouver’s municipalities early Thursday morning, cautioning that “very strong wind gusts that may cause damage are expected or occurring.”
Surrey Traffic tweeted that the winds had already caused power outages across Surrey, and that residents may have to use a 4-way stop procedure if they see a signal with no power.
REMINDER: High winds are causing power outages across #SurreyBC as wind warning is in effect. Please remember to use 4-way stop procedure if you see a signal with no power or flashing red. Crews are working hard to maintain signal operation through #BCStorm. ^rm
— Surrey Traffic (@SurreyTraffic) December 20, 2018
In addition, BC Hydro has tweeted numerous times, noting that the region is seeing the impacts of a major B.C. storm. They add that, "Crews are responding and we'll update on our mobile site as info is available. Remember, if you see a downed power line, it's a danger. Stay back 10 metres and dial 9-1-1."
We're seeing #BCStorm impacts across #VancouverIsland, #LowerMainland, and #SunshineCoast. Crews are responding and we'll update on our mobile site as info is available. Remember, if you see a downed power line, it's a danger. Stay back 10 metres and dial 9-1-1. #DownDangerDial
— BC Hydro (@bchydro) December 20, 2018
Currently, some major outages include one affecting 2,700 customers in Surrey, as well as one affecting 1,275 in Vancouver.
Crews will be heading to an outage affecting 2,700 customers in #SurreyBC. They'll provide updates as available here: https://t.co/8DkxYup8kB pic.twitter.com/eag6MWRnGI
— BC Hydro (@bchydro) December 20, 2018
Crews will be heading to an outage affecting 1,275 customers in #Vancouver. They'll provide updates as available here: https://t.co/PM0ip5JPKK pic.twitter.com/jG1qcSiJbu
— BC Hydro (@bchydro) December 20, 2018
To report an outage, call 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376) or *HYDRO (*49376) on your mobile or report it online.
