More than 11,000 without power in Vancouver as severe-storm risk continues

More than 11,000 BC Hydro customers were without electricity in Vancouver on the morning of Aug. 14 as the region faced a continued risk of severe thunderstorms.

BC Hydro said at about 8:50 a.m. that 11,160 Vancouver customers were affected and crews were on site working to restore service. Hundreds of customers in Richmond were also without power. Areas cited in Vancouver included Point Grey and the King Edward area east of Vine Street and west of Laurel Street.

Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast mainly cloudy conditions, a 60 per cent chance of showers and a risk of severe thunderstorms Friday morning, with clearing expected around noon. Weather watchers reported thunderstorms over western Metro Vancouver, with the threat expected to continue into mid-afternoon and include heavy downpours and frequent lightning.

The forecast also called for hazy conditions in the morning, a chance of local smoke in the afternoon and a humidex near 29 C, reaching 32 C inland. Showers remained possible Saturday, while the Fraser Valley was under an orange air-quality warning indicating a very high health risk.