Windstorm cuts power to up to 300,000 customers in southwestern BC

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A powerful windstorm has knocked out power to up to 300,000 customers in southwestern B.C.

BC Hydro spokeswoman Simi Heer says the storm has affected homes in Surrey, Richmond, Abbotsford and the western Fraser Valley. She says the utility has launched its storm response plan, bringing together decision-makers into one room in Surrey to ensure efficient deployment of crews and resources.

Heer says the outages are generally due to trees and branches falling on power lines and crews are hard at work to repair damage, but customers should be patient.

Environment Canada has issued wind warnings for Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria, the Southern Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast with gusts up to 90 kilometres per hour expected.

The agency says a significant storm will affect the south coast today and tonight with 40 to 80 millimetres of rain forecast for Howe Sound, the North Shore and northwestern Fraser Valley.

Callers are also telling us of tree branches blocking dozens of roads.

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