December 2018 British Columbia storms explained

Several storms struck the coast of British Columbia in December 2018, some causing damage, and one death.[1]

December 8

Winds of over 80km/h were expected for Haida Gwaii, as well as western Vancouver Island. Environment Canada warned people near the South Klondike Highway to avoid non-essential travel, due to snow and wind.[2]

December 11

Heavy rain in Metro Vancouver caused flash flooding in South and East Vancouver, as well as Burnaby. Several buildings were slightly damaged, and many cars were submerged. The SkyTrain line between Sapperton station and Scott Road station were temporarily suspended due to flooding.[3] Several roads in Burnaby were closed.[4]

December 13

On December 13 a strong frontal system impacted the western coast, dropping 77.5mm of rain on downtown Vancouver,[5] and 67mm at the Vancouver International Airport.[6] Snowfall warnings were also put in place for the Coquihalla, and other high elevation places.[7]

December 20

Starting in the morning, severe winds hit Metro Vancouver gusting up to 112km/h[8] affecting Delta and White Rock the worst. One person in Duncan on Vancouver Island was killed when struck by a falling tree. A Surrey man was severely injured after a tree fell on him.[9] The famous White Rock Pier built in 1914 partially collapsed, trapping a man. He was later rescued by helicopter, without any injuries. 22 of the 30 boats moored at the pier were destroyed or severely damaged.[10]

600,000 people were left without power,[11] including at least 100,000 on Vancouver Island. 34,000 people were still without power as of the evening of the 23rd. Collapsed trees in North Saanich slowed traffic.[12] Ferry rides to Victoria and Nanaimo were also cancelled due to wind and waves.[13] A constable with the Abbotsford police department stated that a barn "went airborne". Windows had also been blown out of some high-rises.

The US state of Washington was also affected. Approximately 300,000 homes and businesses lost power, and 300 flights were delayed at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.[14]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: One person killed by falling tree in Duncan as windstorm lashes Vancouver Island. Editor. 2018-12-21. CHEK. en-CA. 2018-12-21.
  2. Web site: Extreme winds and winter storms blow into parts of western B.C. CBC News. Dec 08. CBC News · Posted. December 9. 2018 2:44 PM PT Last Updated. CBC. en. 2018-12-21.
  3. Web site: Wet, windy weather causes flooding, disrupts ferry service CTV News Vancouver. bc.ctvnews.ca. 2018-12-21. 2018-12-11.
  4. Web site: UPDATE: Multiple Burnaby roads closed due to flooding. Burnaby Now. 2018-12-21.
  5. Web site: Daily Data Report for December 2018 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada. Canada. Environment and Climate Change. 2011-10-31. climate.weather.gc.ca. en. 2018-12-21.
  6. Web site: Daily Data Report for December 2018 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada. Canada. Environment and Climate Change. 2011-10-31. climate.weather.gc.ca. en. 2018-12-21.
  7. Web site: Storm brings up to 90 mm of rain to Metro Vancouver: Tips to protect your vehicle while driving in heavy rain CBC News. Dec 13. CBC News · Posted. December 14. 2018 7:13 AM PT Last Updated. CBC. en. 2018-12-21.
  8. Web site: Abbotsford winds could get worse before they get better today. 2018-12-20. Abbotsford News. en-US. 2018-12-21.
  9. Web site: Strong winds, high elevation snow slam B.C., one injured. Inc. Pelmorex Weather Networks. The Weather Network. en-CA. 2018-12-21.
  10. Web site: VIDEO: White Rock pier destroyed by storm, stranded man rescued. 2018-12-20. Surrey Now-Leader. en-US. 2018-12-21.
  11. Web site: B.C. storm power outages could mean Christmas in the dark for some Globalnews.ca. 2018-12-23. globalnews.ca. en. 2018-12-24.
  12. Web site: High winds knock trees down, cause power outages across Peninsula. 2018-12-20. Peninsula News Review. en-US. 2018-12-21.
  13. Web site: UPDATE: BC Ferries cancels 80 sailings amid wind storm. 2018-12-20. Chilliwack Progress. en-US. 2018-12-21.
  14. Web site: Northwest Storm Causes Damage, Road Closures in Washington; 1 Killed in British Columbia. The Weather Channel. en-US. 2018-12-21.

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