BC power outage disruptions are continuing across British Columbia as crews work through damage from Friday night’s storm and prepare for another round of strong winds expected to last into Sunday morning.
BC Hydro said Saturday that more than 190,000 customers had experienced an outage since the storm began, while about 30,000 customers remained without electricity as of 4:30 p.m. Pacific time.
The utility said it had restored power to more than 160,000 customers, but warned that some households would remain without service overnight because fallen trees, blocked roads, difficult access and continuing severe weather were slowing repairs.
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Bc Power Outage: Where outages are being reported
BC Hydro said storm impacts have been recorded across the province, with some of the hardest-hit areas including Prince George and surrounding communities, Port Hardy and Courtenay.
The utility’s live outage information also identified ongoing work in northern Vancouver Island, where crews were conducting ground patrols to locate faults on transmission lines after weather conditions prevented helicopter inspections.
Additional outages were reported on Quadra, Denman and Hornby islands, while customers in parts of the Central Interior and Thompson-Shuswap region were also affected by wind-related damage.
BC Hydro said customers should use its outage map or mobile app for address-specific information, including the reported cause, outage start time, estimated restoration time and crew status.
More wind expected across the South Coast
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued wind warnings for several South Coast areas, including Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, the Sunshine Coast, Greater Victoria, Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands.
For Metro Vancouver, forecasters warned that strong southeasterly winds could reach 70 km/h, with gusts up to 90 km/h, before shifting to strong southwesterly winds overnight and easing early Sunday morning.
Environment Canada said the system could cause local utility outages, damage branches, fences and roofs, and create a risk from flying or falling debris.
On parts of Vancouver Island, warnings called for winds reaching 90 km/h to 110 km/h, depending on the location, with the strongest conditions expected from Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning. The strongest wind warnings covered parts of the coast.
Ferry service remains vulnerable to weather
BC Ferries warned that high winds and wave heights in the Strait of Georgia had affected multiple routes on Saturday night and could cause further disruptions on Sunday, November 8.
The company urged passengers to check service notices and current sailing information before travelling, noting that the safety of passengers and crew remained the priority.
That warning adds another layer of disruption for residents and travellers moving between Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast while crews and emergency services respond to storm damage.
What residents should do during a B.C. outage
BC Hydro is advising customers to prepare for the possibility of additional outages as more weather systems move through the province over the coming days.
- Keep water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies available for at least 72 hours.
- Check the BC Hydro outage map or app for restoration updates.
- Use generators outdoors and away from doors, windows and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Stay at least 10 metres away from downed or damaged power lines.
- Call 911 to report a fallen power line or another immediate hazard.
BC Hydro said customers should treat every downed line as live, even if it is not sparking, smoking or making a buzzing sound.
Restoration work continues under difficult conditions
Crews are responding to several regions at the same time, forcing BC Hydro to position workers and contractors carefully while it restores existing outages and prepares for new damage.
The utility said trees and debris from the first storm have blocked some roads and access routes, and crews must sometimes clear those hazards before reaching damaged poles, lines and other equipment.
BC Hydro has moved into an extended storm response because additional systems are expected through next week, with strong winds forecast for Vancouver Island, the South Coast, the North Coast and the Central Interior.
For customers who remain without electricity, restoration estimates may change as crews gain access to damaged infrastructure and as further outages develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many customers have been affected by the B.C. storm outages?
BC Hydro said more than 190,000 customers had experienced an outage since the storm began, with about 30,000 still without power as of 4:30 p.m. Pacific time on November 7, 2026.
Which parts of B.C. were hit hardest by the outages?
BC Hydro identified Prince George and surrounding communities, Port Hardy and Courtenay among the hardest-hit areas, while additional outages were reported on several coastal and Interior islands and communities.
Are more power outages expected in B.C.?
Yes. BC Hydro warned that strong winds could create new outages as another storm system moves across Vancouver Island, the South Coast, the North Coast and the Central Interior.
What should I do if I see a downed power line?
Stay at least 10 metres away, assume the line is live and call 911 to report it.
How can I check when my power will be restored?
Customers can check the BC Hydro outage map or mobile app for the latest outage cause, crew status and estimated restoration information.
Fact-Checked: Key outage, weather-warning, ferry-service and safety details were checked against BC Hydro, Environment and Climate Change Canada and BC Ferries information published on November 7, 2026.
Disclaimer: Restoration times and ferry schedules may change as crews respond to new damage and weather conditions.