Bomb Cyclone Hits B.C. Coast: Highways Shut, Power Outages Impact Thousands
A powerful “bomb cyclone” storm unleashed havoc on British Columbia’s South Coast on Tuesday night, bringing wind gusts up to 160 km/h. The storm led to widespread power outages, highway closures, and disrupted ferry services across the region.
Key Developments:
Highways Closed:
Multiple highways on Vancouver Island, including Highway 4 near Port Alberni, were shut due to downed trees, power lines, and debris.
Schoolchildren Stranded:
Nine students from Port Renfrew and the Pacheedaht First Nation were forced to shelter at a school after fallen power lines disrupted bus routes. They safely returned home late at night.
Ferry Cancellations:
B.C. Ferries suspended several sailings between Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and the Gulf Islands, citing unsafe conditions.
Massive Power Outages:
Over 140,000 B.C. Hydro customers on Vancouver Island and nearly 48,000 in the Lower Mainland were left without electricity. Crews worked overnight to restore power in affected areas.
Meteorological Impact:
The storm, which formed 400 km west of Tofino, is classified as a “bomb cyclone” due to its rapid pressure drop of 60 millibars in 24 hours. Environment Canada compared its intensity to a Category 3 or 4 hurricane.
Forecasters warned of significant wind damage and waves over 10 meters high. Rain and snow also accompanied the storm, with higher elevations on Vancouver Island expecting up to a meter of snow by Wednesday.
Safety Advisory:
Authorities have urged residents to avoid non-essential travel, ensure vehicles are equipped with winter tires, and monitor updates on road conditions via DriveBC. Ferry passengers are advised to check the B.C. Ferries website for the latest sailing information.
This storm marks the second major wind event to hit the region in a week, highlighting the ongoing challenges of extreme weather in coastal B.C.