STRONG wind and heavy rain have left about 160,000 BC Hydro customers in the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands without power. As the windstorm continues, additional outages are expected in these regions, BC Hydro said.

As of 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, there were about 148,000 customers out in the Lower Mainland and on the Sunshine Coast, and about 12,000 customers out on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The hardest hit area is currently Surrey with nearly 75,000 customers without power.

According to BC Hydro, after a multi-year drought, vegetation has been weakened across the province, making it more susceptible to wind. As a result, many dead and damaged tress and branches have fallen, and are making contact BC Hydro’s electrical equipment.

All available BC Hydro crews and contractor crews are working to repair damage to power lines, power poles and other equipment in an effort to restore customers as quickly and safely as possible. This work will continue throughout the day and into the night.

Crews are receiving reports of downed power lines. A downed power line is an emergency. Call 911 and stay at least 10 metres back. BC Hydro crews will work with first responders to make the area safe.

BC Hydro said it appreciates its customers’ patience as crews continue to work hard to restore power. As repair work continues, BC Hydro will provide updated estimates for power restoration as they become available at bchydro.com/outages.