CANADA NEWS – British Columbia faced a turbulent weekend as an atmospheric river storm unleashed torrential rain, causing widespread power outages, flooding, and hazardous conditions across the region. Search and rescue crews in the Lower Mainland, on high alert, braced for potential evacuations as the storm swept through southwestern B.C. on Saturday. The heavy downpour, which began Friday, has already disrupted life for many, with areas like the South Coast and parts of the Interior particularly hard-hit. The severe weather has left one person missing due to a mudslide in Coquitlam and spurred multiple rescue operations across the province.
Environment Canada issued warnings, predicting that 90 to 150 millimeters of rain would drench Metro Vancouver, parts of the Fraser Valley, and the Sea-to-Sky corridor by Sunday. Meanwhile, rain levels in North Shore were expected to exceed 180 millimeters, exacerbating the risks of flooding and landslides. Social media was flooded with videos of vehicles submerged on waterlogged roads, and muddy water racing down streets, capturing the havoc wreaked by the storm. In Coquitlam, a catastrophic mudslide swept away a home on Quarry Road, leaving one person unaccounted for, prompting a major search and rescue operation.
The mudslide that hit Coquitlam on Saturday around noon not only destroyed the home but also raised fears about the homeowner’s whereabouts. Coquitlam Fire Chief Scott Young confirmed that the house was completely knocked off its foundation and reduced to debris. The RCMP has classified the homeowner as a missing person, though search efforts were suspended at nightfall. Rescue operations will resume on Sunday morning, with hopes that the missing person can be located. In a separate incident, three hikers stranded midway through their journey were successfully rescued by Coquitlam Search and Rescue, who had been called into action amidst the storm.
Rescue teams across the region remain vigilant, with Ryan Smith of Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue reporting that crews are fully mobilized. Ready to assist with evacuations, Smith’s team has stationed themselves at base camps, ensuring that rafts, kayaks, and other swift-water rescue equipment are prepped for rapid deployment. As the storm rages on, Smith advised residents to exercise extreme caution near waterways, noting that swift-moving water can easily sweep individuals off their feet, creating dangerous conditions.
The timing of the storm could not have been worse for British Columbians, as it coincided with the province’s election day, causing power outages that impacted several polling stations. By Saturday night, over 2,700 B.C. Hydro customers were still without electricity, although this marked a notable improvement from earlier in the day. B.C. Hydro crews had ramped up their readiness ahead of the storm, with spokesperson Mora Scott confirming that workers would continue throughout the night to restore power, particularly in areas where fallen trees and weakened branches have knocked down power lines. The last few years of drought have contributed to the weakened state of B.C.’s trees, making them more vulnerable to collapse during storms.
The effects of the storm were felt on the roads as well, with flooding and hazardous driving conditions causing accidents and road closures throughout the province. DriveBC issued highway alerts for several key routes, including the Coquihalla Highway between Merritt and Hope, and the Trans-Canada Highway between Eagle Pass and Rogers Pass. Flooded roadways in Metro Vancouver led to multiple bus detours, with at least 12 routes impacted early Saturday morning. Vancouver’s popular Stanley Park Ghost Train was forced to cancel its rides for the day due to the intense rain.
As the atmospheric river continues to drench British Columbia, authorities are urging residents to stay informed and prepared for potential emergencies. The storm’s unpredictable nature has left parts of the province grappling with sudden power outages, treacherous road conditions, and widespread flooding. For those planning to travel, staying updated on highway closures and detours via DriveBC is essential. In the coming days, the collective efforts of search and rescue teams, emergency crews, and power restoration workers will be crucial as B.C. faces the ongoing challenges brought by this powerful storm system.
