A second storm swept through coastal B.C. Saturday, causing widespread power outages and damage. B.C. Hydro, in an update Sunday morning, said there were 135,000 customers without power at the peak of the storm but the number had dropped to around 63,000 by 7 a.m. “The hardest-hit areas at this time include Surrey, Duncan, Port Hardy and Prince George, where strong winds have brought down trees and branches, damaging power lines, poles and other electrical equipment,” an update from the utility said. While crews will be making every effort to restore service, B.C. Hydro noted that weather warnings remain in effect and another storm is in the forecast—meaning things will likely get worse before they get better. “We expect to see additional damage and outages before conditions improve. We appreciate our customers’ patience as our crews work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power,” the update continued. During Saturday’s storm, hydro lines and a tree came down in Surrey—trapping two people in their vehicles and leaving one dead. Wind warnings remained in effect for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Sunday, with Environment and Climate Change Canada waring of gusts up to 90 km/h. “Local utility outages are possible. Damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters is possible. There is a risk of injury due to flying or falling debris,” the warnings said, adding that winds are expected to “gradually ease” throughout the day.
