Strong winds sweep through British Columbia, leaving thousands without electricity and prompting widespread warnings for gusts up to 100 km/h in select regions.
Power Outages Hit Vancouver Island Hard
As of 4 p.m. PT on Tuesday, approximately 26,000 customers on Vancouver Island face power outages. Forecasters predict very strong winds gusting to 100 km/h in some spots, fueling these disruptions.
Interior and Highway Alerts
Wind warnings extend across much of the southern and central Interior, affecting areas like South Thompson, Nicola, 100 Mile, Chilcotin, and the Coquihalla Highway. Residents should brace for potential service interruptions and travel hazards.
Winter Storms Threaten North-Central Regions
Yellow warnings for winter storms blanket north-central British Columbia, including Prince George and the Peace region. Up to 25 centimetres of snow may accumulate by Wednesday morning, accompanied by high winds and near-zero visibility from blowing snow.
Warnings urge preparation for rapidly worsening travel conditions: “Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Consider postponing non-essential travel and outdoor activities until conditions improve.”
Fraser Valley and Mountain Passes
Special weather statements cover the eastern Fraser Valley and key mountain passes such as Highway 3 and the Okanagan Connector. Southwesterly gusts could reach 80 km/h but are set to subside by midnight Wednesday.
Coastal wind warnings are expected to lift late Tuesday afternoon, though officials caution against complacency. Alerts highlight risks of local utility outages, service disruptions, and travel issues. Authorities advise staying clear of downed power lines.
