With an approaching atmospheric river set to hit B. C. ’s coast on Thursday, the provincial energy provider is warning there may be outages due to the incoming storm.
Customers of BC Hydro are being advised to prepare for weather-related power outages brought on by weakened trees, particularly along B.C.’s South Coast.
According to a BC Hydro press release, “(A) BC Hydro meteorologist expects a larger potential for major damage this storm season because there is a healthy stock of wind-vulnerable trees.”
“Trees affected by the drought won’t exhibit apparent symptoms right away. However, the microscopic structural roots that give trees their solidity have been harmed by the drought, leaving them more vulnerable to wind of any speed.
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The BC Hydro stated it has intensified its vegetation management programme in preparation for this year’s storm season because of the drought conditions. Storm season is anticipated all year long.
According to BC Hydro personnel, crews regularly execute maintenance tasks to assist reduce the effects that bad weather may have on the energy system. “This involves looking for potential issues by evaluating trees and other tall vegetation growing close to BC Hydro’s infrastructure.
According to BC Hydro, more than half of the province of British Columbia’s power outages are caused by trees and bad weather.
On Thursday, the North and Central Coast regions may have up to 80 mm of rain and wind gusts of up to 100 km/h, according to senior Global BC meteorologist Kristi Gordon.
She warned that the South Coast should prepare for additional severe gusts and possibly heavier rainfall than Tuesday.
Although atmospheric rivers are a typical meteorological occurrence, B has becoming more interested in them.
C. emergency personnel and meteorologists following the devastation caused by a string of such systems in November, which included catastrophic floods and mudslides.
According to Gordon, this system is predicted to travel continually along the coast rather than stall, which will shorten the period any one area may experience severe rain.
However, she added that minor flooding, pooling water, and reduced visibility on the roads is possible. — With documents from Simon Little of Global BC.
BC Hydro is ready for potential power interruptions and atmospheric rivers
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