Fallen trees affecting powerlines, power outage closes campus after wind

Trees around Metro Vancouver have started falling and a university campus has closed following a wind storm that hit the region Monday.

Environment Canada is reporting that northwest winds could gust up to 100 kilometres an hour, and conditions are expected to ease in the evening.

The agency is warning that the strong winds may cause more power outages and potential damage to homes.

“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches. Motorists, especially in high profile vehicles, may expect hazardous driving conditions on highways subject to strong crosswinds,” ECCC said in a statement.

The Delta Police Department says the windstorm has affected the city with tree falls, downed powerlines and related power outages.

In a statement, the DPD said a large tree on 84 Avenue between Brooke Road and Delsom Crescent struck an unoccupied car and broke power lines.

They say 84 Avenue remains closed while BC Hydro makes it electrically safe before city crews remove the tree.

Police say another fallen large tree is impacting a small residential area near Wellburn Drive and Aspen Way, and areas near Boundary Bay Airport are also impacted by the storm.

“Near Boundary Bay Airport, there are wires down, causing the closure of Churchill Street near Skeena Street. Traffic should use Ladner Trunk Road in this instance rather than Churchill,” police said.

Police in Delta say motorists should practice their defensive driving habits while driving in these windy conditions.

The District of North Vancouver also put out an advisory saying power lines are down at Carolyn Drive and Tall Tree Lane, Lillooet Road and Purcell Way, and some areas along East 29 Avenue.

Plus, as of 3 p.m. the Capilano University’s main campus in North Vancouver is also closed after a power outage.

“Faculty teaching in-person classes will advise students of alternate plans. All other campuses are operating as usual. Students and employees are being asked to watch CapU Safe App and social media for updates,” it said in an email statement.

The university will update students again at 5 p.m.

“We remind our motorists in Delta to leave extra time to get to their destinations, (and) be prepared for a slow-going commute. If you encounter an intersection without power, be sure to stop at the intersection and follow the 4-way-stop procedure. Never assume the other car is going to stop and practice your defensive driving habits before entering those intersections.”

-With files from Raynaldo Suarez.