B.C. storm topples trees, downs power lines and wreaks havoc
Power lines and tumbling trees cause chaos in the lower mainland on a gusty Saturday
Winds peaking at 80 kilometres per hour caused havoc on B.C.'s Lower Mainland Saturday toppling trees, power lines and forcing the shut-down of the iconic downtown Stanley Park, due to danger from flying branches and debris.
911 was swamped with calls and Vancouver Police urged people to stay home if possible as high winds caused multiple disruptions in SkyTrain service and dangers along many roads, including live wire from downed power lines.
Crews working to investigate & restore many outages. ETRs will change as work progresses. Thx for your patience; working to restore website.
—@bchydroThe famous Seawall was closed and even the Pacific National Exhibition park had to shut its gates due to weather for part of the day.
BC Ferries delayed sailing to Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands citing "severe" weather, while people taking public transit faced road blockages and traffic slow downs as trees hit homes and littered residential streets.
Neighbours near East 6th in Vancouver shut their entire street with homemade signs after fallen trees made driving it impassible.
The number of homes without power continued to increase throughout the day, by 4 p.m. PT the figure was at more than 300,000.
Comments
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.