Thousands without power on Christmas as winds, rain continue in B.C. coastal areas

People watch as a kite boarder navigates rough seas at Island View Beach in Saanich, B.C., Monday, Oct. 25, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Thousands of people in British Columbia are without power on Christmas Day as ongoing rainfall and strong winds collapse power lines, disrupt travel and toss around holiday decorations.

BC Hydro says nearly 6,500 customers were without power as of Wednesday afternoon.

Several wind and rainfall warnings also remain in place across the province's North Coast, Central Coast, western sections of Metro Vancouver near the water and the eastern edge of Vancouver Island.

Environment Canada says the gusts are travelling up to 140 kilometres per hour in some coastal areas.

The weather agency says the weather system will bring up to 80 millimetres of rain to Metro Vancouver and Squamish on Wednesday afternoon while 100 millimetres of rain is in the forecast for North Shore, northern Coquitlam and Maple Ridge.

Environment Canada says the heavy rainfall will last through Boxing Day.

Collapsed power lines also shut down Highway 16 in both directions, about one kilometre east of Tlell, an area on the east coast of Graham Island and part of Haida Gwaii, B.C., says Drive BC.

Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation says Stanley Park is closed today due to increased tree-related hazards caused by high winds mixed with heavy rains.

"Many trees remain vulnerable due to the hemlock looper outbreak. We appreciate your understanding and patience," said the park board.

BC Ferries says it has cancelled service on multiple routes due to the weather, including the sailings between Vancouver and Nanaimo.