Thousands left in the dark as fierce, impactful B.C. storm whips through
A mighty spring storm delivered damaging, blustery winds, heavy rain and mountain snow to B.C. to kick off the new week, resulting in power outages and hazardous travel, but conditions will improve as we head into mid-week.
Monday was ushered in with a bang in B.C. as a powerful Pacific storm pushed in with fierce wind gusts that knocked out power to thousands. The storm also brought soaking rains and heavy alpine snow that led to hazardous travel for the mountain passes. As well, a road was closed as a precaution for avalanche control because of a heightened threat. The good news is that the storm will be winding down by Tuesday morning, with fair conditions for mid-week. More on the impacts and when to expect better weather, below.
TRAVEL DELAYS, POWER OUTAGES, ROAD CLOSURE AS POTENT SPRING STORM HITS
A potent low-pressure system tracking through the South Coast brought some wicked winds, soaking rains and heavy mountain snow into Monday, leading to some downed trees and power lines, electricity cuts and at least one road closure for avalanche control.
Peak wind gusts were reported as high as 100 km/h in Hope and 70-90+ km/h in other centres across the Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island. Blustery southwest winds of 70-90+ km/h will persist for southern and western Vancouver Island through Monday overnight and gradually ease Tuesday afternoon
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At one point, there were more than 20,000 people without power, but the number has dwindled to just more than 15,000, according to BC Hydro. With wind gusts expected to remain strong through the overnight period Monday, that tally is likely to fluctuate, however.
The storm is also bringing some fairly heavy rainfall amounts, but most of it has fallen already. Accumulative totals will be heaviest along the western Vancouver Island coast, with 100+ mm expected before it gradually tapers by Tuesday morning. The Lower Mainland can expect to see a range of 20-75 mm, depending on where you are in the region. Localized flooding is possible.
For the mountain passes, precipitation will continue as snow near the summit. In the wake of the passing front, a moist, southwesterly flow will continue to give flurries heavy at times. Total snow accumulations of 20-30 cm can be expected before the snow tapers off Tuesday evening. Travellers should continue to anticipate significant travel interruptions.
The strong winds and snow have elevated the avalanche risk. The danger rating was raised to considerable or high across many of B.C. 's mountain ranges on Monday, according to Avalanche Canada. The potential will remain at considerable levels Tuesday for several of the passes.
In fact, Highway 1 was closed for avalanche control Monday, due to the risk.
LOOK AHEAD: CONDITIONS IMPROVE FOR MID-WEEK, BUT THREAT OF LOW-ELEVATION SNOW ON HORIZON
Fair weather returns to the South Coast Wednesday and Thursday. A warm spring day for the Lower Mainland, but away from the immediate coastline, Thursday with temperatures near 20°C or into the lower 20s.
Conditions will become unsettled Friday with a risk for showers into the weekend, but it won't be a washout. Freezing levels will become very low Friday night, with flakes possible near sea level.
A mostly dry pattern returns next week with colder than normal temperatures.
Thumbnail courtesy of Paul Bae/Twitter, taken in Vancouver, B.C.
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