Drought conditions cause power outages across Lower Mainland
Posted November 5, 2023 8:38 am.
Last Updated November 5, 2023 3:50 pm.
A downed tree branch is responsible for a handful of power outages across the Lower Mainland Sunday morning.
BC Hydro says the branch damaged one of its towers at approximately 12:30 a.m. and crews have been working overnight to repair the tower. Initially, the company says just under 10,000 customers were affected.
As of 8 a.m. Sunday, approximately 3,800 people across Abbotsford and Chilliwack are still without power.
Despite some areas receiving around 42 millimetres of rain Saturday, Mora Scott with BC Hydro says recent droughts could be to blame for the damage.
“I’m assuming the branch fell because there are many dead and weakened trees from the drought out there, we do know that is going to be a problem this storm season,” Scott said. “But there are times when branches do unfortunately just come into contact with our lines.”
Scott says crews are working to have the power back up and running by lunchtime.
