Prepare for possible power outages due to incoming wind storm: BC Hydro

As the province’s electricity provider is getting ready for possible power outages this weekend, it’s also urging its customers to be prepared as a wind storm is set to hit B.C.’s South Coast beginning Friday night.

Speaking to 1130 NewsRadio, BC Hydro spokesperson Kyle Donaldson says the utility provider is keeping an eye on the incoming storm.

“We have a team of meteorologists who monitor these weather systems, and they’ve been watching this one closely,” he said Friday morning.

“We are expecting the potential for some strong winds, and wind also has the potential to bring down trees and branches onto our equipment, which can cause power outages.”

Donaldson explains BC Hydro has crews across the province ready to respond if outages do occur.

As B.C. is in the early parts of fall, there are still leaves on trees, Donaldson says, adding that many trees have also been weakened due to continuing drought.

“There is a lot of vulnerable vegetation that is out there, and all it takes is a little bit of wind to bring down some of these trees that still have leaves on them, and when you have a tree or a branch making contact with a power line, that can result in a power outage,” he explained.

While the incoming storm this weekend is set to bring rain, it will produce nothing like the precipitation the region saw during last weekend’s atmospheric river. Instead, wind will be the major challenge.

“Winds will increase late evening and peak early overnight. Gusts will range from 60-80 km/h with the stronger winds over southern Metro Vancouver,” 1130 NewsRadio meteorologist Michael Kuss explained.

Echoing Kuss, Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a wind warning Friday morning as gusts along B.C.’s South Coast are expected to pick up Friday night into Saturday.

“Peak winds are expected between midnight and 3 a.m.,” Kuss added. “Winds will back off Saturday morning. Saturday and Sunday remain unsettled with a risk of isolated showers both days.”

But Donaldson says BC Hydro prepares for storms all year round, and this incoming storm is no different.

“Our crews can activate storm response plans, really at a moment’s notice. We have a team of meteorologists who monitor the weather system every single day, every hour of the day, and they’re keeping an eye on areas where that could be susceptible to this wind storm that we’re expecting to roll in on Friday into Saturday,” he shared.

Donaldson says it’s hard to predict how much, if any, damage a storm will cause and how long a power outage may last.

Because of this, he urges all Hydro customers to also take action to make sure they’re prepared in case the power goes out.

“A good idea is to have an emergency kit with a flashlight, first aid kit, some water, some batteries,” he said.

Listen live to 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver weather updates every 10 minutes after traffic on the ones. You can also follow Meteorologist Michael Kuss on X and subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.

-With files from David Nadalini.