Wind and Storms
Wind storms, although infrequent, do occur and can also be accompanied by heavy rains adding to the potential flooding impact on local neighbourhoods.
Environment Canada provides wind warnings for coastal regions when sustained wind speeds reach 70 km/h, or gusts of 90km/h are forecasted. Winds at these speeds are capable of breaking small branches and even uprooting or breaking entire trees causing power outages and blocking roads.
Before extreme wind
Take these important emergency preparedness steps:
- Create a plan
- Build a stay-at-home emergency preparedness kit
- Collaborate with neighbourd to build a Neightbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program
- Check in on neighbours
- Secure everything that might be blown around or torn loose
- Flying objects such as garbage cans and lawn furniture can injure people and damage property
- Trim dead branches and cut down dead trees to reduce the danger of these falling onto your house during a storm
During extreme wind
- Do not go down to the water to watch the storm. Most people who are killed during hurricanes are caught in large waves, storm surges or flood waters.
- Stay off the roads if possible. If you must drive, monitor Drive BC and be aware of fallen debris and traffic signals that have lost power
- Stay away from fallen power lines. A hanging power line could be charged (live) and electrocute you
- Remember that ice, branches or power lines can continue to break and fall for several hours after a storm ends
- Check out the BC Hydro outage map and if your power outage isn't shown, call 1-800-224-9676 or *49376 on your mobile or report it online. Learn more: BC Hydro
- Report road concerns on RDN Electoral Areas roads and highways to Mainroad Contracting at 1-877-215-6006. Leanr more: Mainroad's winter operations FAQs
- Fallen trees, branches or other debris that pose a safety concern within RDN parks and trails can be reported online or by calling 250-248-4744 or toll free 1-888-828-2069 during business hours
- If lightning is present, remember that you can use a cellular telephone during a severe storm, but it's not safe to use a land-line telephone
- Always check the marine forecast before going boating and listen to weather reports
- Never go out in a boat during a storm. If you are on the water and you see bad weather approaching, head for safe shore immediately
After extreme wind
- Check your property for damage and clear away debris from rain gutters and storm drains
- Even though the wind has stopped, broken branches may hang dangerously overhead
- Be cautious and look up for hazards
- Stay away from power lines on the ground
- Restock your emergency kit with fresh batteries, canned food and other supplies
Get notified of an emergency in your area
Sign up for RDN's Voyent Alert! notifications. Registration for the service is free, simple and anonymous. You can choose how you would like to receive alerts, either through a mobile app, email, text message or phone call.
National alerts
Learn about Emergency Alerts and the National Public Alerting System | CRTC