One dead after tree falls on Surrey highway during B.C. storm
The fatal incident occurred as powerful gusts knocked out power for tens of thousands of customers across the province.
SURREY · A driver died after a tree fell across a highway in Surrey, British Columbia, during a severe windstorm on Saturday night. Surrey police reported the incident occurred on Highway 10 between 182 and 184 streets around 8 p.m. The fallen tree trapped two vehicles, resulting in one fatality at the scene. The other driver involved sustained minor injuries and did not require hospital transport. Crews worked overnight to clear the debris and downed power lines from the roadway. Highway 10 reopened on Sunday morning with one lane available in each direction. The storm system that caused the damage brought powerful winds across much of the province, leading to widespread power outages for thousands of residents.
More than 63,000 B.C. Hydro customers were without electricity as of Sunday morning. The utility stated that number had fallen from approximately 135,000 outages recorded at the storm's peak around 1 a.m. Areas hardest hit by the winds included Surrey, Duncan, Port Hardy and Prince George. "We prepared for this storm and had crews and resources ready to respond immediately," said B.C. Hydro spokesperson Whitney Deane.
Environment Canada measured wind gusts reaching 90 km/h on Vancouver Island and 80 km/h in the Prince George region. Winds in the Lower Mainland were recorded at up to 70 km/h. Meteorologists said the worst of the weather had passed by Sunday, with conditions expected to improve through the day. "We have seen the worst," said Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Catherine Aubrey.
B.C. Hydro reported that over 380,000 customers have experienced outages since the first storm arrived on Friday. Restoration work has already returned power to about 317,000 of those affected. The utility warned residents to stay at least 10 metres away from any downed power lines and to report them by calling 911. Ferry services that faced cancellations on Saturday largely resumed their scheduled sailings on Sunday. Forecasters predict a brief respite from the severe weather on Monday, with only showers expected. Another storm system is anticipated to arrive on Tuesday, bringing renewed wind and significant rainfall to coastal areas. This next system could deposit up to 50 millimetres of rain on parts of Vancouver Island and the South Coast.
With files from CityNews, CBC News and Global News