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A snow warning that went into effect Saturday for Metro Vancouver has ended, although the region will receive some wet flurries over higher ground through Sunday evening.
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Meanwhile, most residents who lost power during Friday’s windstorm are turning their lights back on. BC Hydro said early Sunday that 98 per cent of the 330,000 customers on BC’s south coast that were affected have had power restored.
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“Crews have been working around the clock to restore power, replacing dozens of sections of power lines, as well as poles, transformers and cross arms,” ​​BC Hydro’s Scott Mora said in an update.
They will continue throughout the day and all remaining customers should be restored by the end of the day, with the exception of a few in remote areas or places with significant damage.
The wind storm that began Friday downed trees and branches, many of which are weakened by the extended summer drought, and downed power lines throughout Metro Vancouver and beyond.
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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 left more than 300,000 homes without power on B.C.’s South Coast. 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 left more than 300,000 homes without power on B.C.’s South Coast. Photo: Francis Georgian. Photo by Francis Georgian/PNG
Snow warnings went into effect Saturday but were canceled early Sunday in Metro Vancouver. However, significant snowfall is still expected inland and advisories remain in effect for Coquihalla, Highways 3 and 97 and the Okanagan.
Drivers traveling in any of these regions, or between the Lower Mainland and the interior, should ensure their vehicle is fitted with winter tyres, the ministry said in a press release on Friday. Authorities are also asking drivers to be prepared with supplies, water and a first aid kit in the car.
They also recommend postponing highway travel if possible.
BC Hydro said it monitored the storm closely over the weekend and sent many crews home early Friday so they could rest and be available for overnight work.
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“One of the challenges crews faced overnight was downed trees, making it too dangerous for them to access some areas to begin repair work,” BC Hydro said in a statement Saturday.
NEW WESTMINSTER, BC 2nd Street and 6th Ave in New Westminster. The aftermath of a Friday night storm that downed trees and left more than 300,000 homes without power on B.C.’s South Coast. 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 left more than 300,000 homes without power on B.C.’s South Coast. Photo: Francis Georgian. Photo by Francis Georgian/PNG
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Crews were still receiving reports of downed power lines Saturday afternoon. BC Hydro reminds people that if they see a downed line they should call 911 and stay at least 10 meters back.
TransLink said it is ensuring all transit services are prepared for snow, including calling in additional staff, coordinating snow removal with key route municipalities and de-icing trolley wires and the Skytrain rails.
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