Publication date: Nov 05, 2022 • 25 minutes ago • 3 minutes read • Join the discussion The aftermath of a Friday night storm that downed trees and knocked out power to more than 300,000 homes on BC’s South Coast. Photo: Francis Georgian. Photo Francis Georgian /PNG

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A snowfall warning was in effect Saturday for Metro Vancouver as residents were still cleaning up the mess from a powerful windstorm Friday night.

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Tens of thousands of residents were without power Friday and Saturday as gale-force winds toppled trees, branches and power lines. Start your day with a roundup of BC-focused news and opinion delivered straight to your inbox at 7am, Monday to Friday. By clicking the subscribe button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300

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Now, snow is on the way for those living in the region’s higher elevations. Environment and Climate Change Canada said up to 10 centimeters of snow is expected at higher elevations in the region Saturday night and early Sunday. The federal weather service said that while some locations near sea level may begin to see wet snow, accumulation is unlikely. At higher elevations, however, five centimeters of snow is possible and even up to 10 centimeters at the highest points. The service is warning drivers that the snow may cause reduced visibility on the roads. At the height of Friday’s windstorm, more than 330,000 residents were without power on BC’s south coast.

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By 5 p.m. Saturday, BC Hydro said crews had worked through the night and power had been restored to more than 275,000 customers. That left about 55,000 customers still without power, according to the utility. The hardest hit areas were Surrey, Abbotsford, Burnaby and Nanaimo.

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NEW WESTMINSTER, BC 2nd street and 6th Ave in New Westminster.  The aftermath of a Friday night storm that downed trees and caused more than 300,000 homes on BC’s south coast to lose power.  Photo: Francis Georgian.  Photo by Francis Georgian /PNG NEW WESTMINSTER, BC 2nd street and 6th Ave in New Westminster.  The aftermath of a Friday night storm that downed trees and caused more than 300,000 homes on BC’s south coast to lose power.  Photo: Francis Georgian.  Photo Francis Georgian /PNG

BC Hydro said it was closely monitoring the storm and sent several crews home early Friday so they could rest and be available for overnight work. “One challenge crews faced overnight was downed trees, which made it too dangerous for them to access certain areas to begin repair work,” BC Hydro said in a statement Saturday. “The wind knocked down trees and branches — many of them weakened by the summer drought — causing them to come into contact with BC Hydro’s electrical equipment. As a result, crews continue to be busy repairing damaged power lines, poles and other equipment.” Crews are still getting reports of downed power lines. BC Hydro is reminding people that if they see a downed line they should call 911 and stay at least 10 meters back.

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Environment and Climate Change Canada had issued a wind warning Friday night for metro, Vancouver Island, the southern Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast, saying gusts of up to 100 km/h were expected in some areas. NEW WESTMINSTER, BC 2nd street and 6th Ave in New Westminster. The aftermath of a Friday night storm that downed trees and caused more than 300,000 homes on BC’s south coast to lose power. Photo: Francis Georgian. Photo by Francis Georgian /PNG NEW WESTMINSTER, BC Regina street and 4th street in New Westminster. The aftermath of a Friday night storm that downed trees and caused more than 300,000 homes on BC’s south coast to lose power. Photo: Francis Georgian. Photo Francis Georgian /PNG Meanwhile, while the South Coast faces a clean-up from the gale, other parts of the province are bracing for heavy snowfall. The BC Ministry of Transportation is warning drivers to be cautious of snow on highways this weekend. Snow warnings are in effect Saturday for the Cariboo, Columbia, Kootenay and Peace regions. Highways of concern include Highway 1 from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass, Hwy. 3 between Hope and Princeton, Hwy. 5 from Hope to Kamloops and Hwy. 97C from Merritt to Kelowna. The department says highway maintenance contractors are out in force during this storm system.

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Drivers traveling in any of these areas, or between the Lower Mainland and the Interior, should ensure their vehicle is equipped with winter tires, the ministry said in a press release on Friday. Authorities are also urging drivers to be prepared with supplies, water and a first aid kit in their car. They also recommend postponing highway travel if possible.

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We are in the middle of the most intense windstorm I have ever experienced. Shut up my kids the trampoline is gone… blowing in the field #Nanaimo #Snuneymuxw @BCRoads2 — Anna Mary Mckenzie (@legally_cree) November 5, 2022

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Meanwhile, Translink says it is ensuring all transit services are prepared for possible snowfall. Weather preparations include: Calling in additional staff to coordinate the service. coordinate with municipalities to clear snow if priority routes are affected; prepare special trucks to spread anti-icing solution on trolley wires; coupling Millennium Line trains into four-car configurations to increase capacity, with SkyTrain attendants on hand to watch drivers. and the operation of a SkyTrain specialist during the night that sprays de-icer on the power rail to keep trains moving. More news, less ads: Our in-depth journalism is made possible by the support of our subscribers. For just $3.50 a week, you can get unlimited, ad-lite access to the Vancouver Sun, The Province, the National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province.

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