Be prepared, Victoria.
That’s a warning from BC Hydro, after they issued a statement saying the upcoming storm season can be challenging due to the drought conditions in the province over the summer.
“For example, last year’s heat dome combined with flooding last fall, ice storms in 2018 and 2019 among others, have all had significant impacts on vegetation in BC,” the company said in a media release.
The hydro company says conditions this year are similar to those in 2015 and 2018 where storms caused significant power outages.
“These events, coupled with a quieter than normal storm season last year due to limited strong winds, have BC Hydro’s meteorologist predicting a greater likelihood for substantial damage this storm season because there is a healthy stock of wind-vulnerable trees.”
Over the past few years, climate change has created back-to-back extreme weather events that may reach a critical point this storm season.
According to meteorologists, an atmospheric river is set to hit BC’s coast on Thursday, which prompted the waring from BC Hyrdo.
Following months of dry weather, drought conditions have impacted structural roots of trees that provide stability, which will make the trees more susceptible to wind.
The company said it is increasing its vegetation management program this year given the drought and weather-related challenges, but the company is urging customers to prepare for power outages with the following tips:
- Having an emergency kit: supplies should last for at least 72 hours and include a flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, non-perishable foods and bottled water
- Knowing where to get the latest outage updates: customers can visit bchydro.com/outages from their mobile device for the most up-to-date information
- Understanding the dangers of electrical equipment: a downed or damaged power line should always be considered an emergency even if it is not smoking, sparking or making a buzzing sound. Always assume the line is live, stay back at least 10 metres (the length of a bus) and call 9-1-1 to report
