Thousands without power, travel disruptions after bomb cyclone slams B.C.

An exceptional, rapidly intensifying storm impacted the B.C. South Coast late in the day on Tuesday, bringing heavy rain, stong, gusting winds and alpine snow to the region. As a result, thousands were left without power last night as well as some damaged trees and travel disruptions.

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On Tuesday night, over 272,000 people were without power due to the storm, with a majority of the losses reported on Vancouver Island. Downed tree limbs and power lines also forced the closure of multiple highways including Highway 4 on Vancouver Island late Tuesday night. Wind gusts of up to 160 km/h were reported off of Vancouver Island.

A downed power line on Highway 14 cut off school bus routes, forcing a group of children to shelter at a school for hours.

High winds have also forced multiple ferry cancellations and delays to and from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island on Wednesday due to the high winds. Wind warnings were in pace for much of the region and will continue throughout Wednesday before dying down in the evening.

Heavy snow also fell in higher elevations in the province, dropping close to 100 cm in the Mt. Washington region.

See the images below for the bomb cyclone’s impact on B.C.:

Thumbnail image courtesy of B.C. Hydro

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