BC Hydro warns of possible power outages due to snowstorm

The province’s electricity supplier is warning customers of possible power outages Friday and over the weekend, as much of B.C. sees a massive winter storm hit the region.

Mora Scott, BC Hydro spokesperson, says the incoming snow isn’t necessarily the problem.

“What the freezing rain does, is that it’s going to add weight to the snow that’s already on the trees, potentially coat those trees in ice and add a tonne of weight which causes them to break and come into contact with our electrical equipment,” she told CityNews.

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B.C.’s South Coast is expected to be hit by snow and freezing rain Friday before turning into lots of rain overnight into Saturday. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a winter storm warning for much of the region, and the provincial government is urging folks not to travel unless it is essential.

Scott says Hydro infrastructure might not just be impacted today, as the weight of snow and ice accumulates over the coming days.

“They could fail tomorrow, they could fail Sunday, and that’s why we basically have everyone on standby until this event is over.”

Scott says the Fraser Valley and mid-Vancouver Island are at the most risk for power outages, and urges folks to be patient if the power goes out.

“The two biggest challenges for us today, when it comes to responding to power outages, is obviously going to be the extremely challenging road conditions, and they’re calling for poor visibility too, so I think they’re the two biggest things we’re up against today.”