Thunder and lightning rumbled across Metro Vancouver Friday morning as a severe thunderstorm brought strong winds and hail to the region. Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning around 8 a. m. PT, identifying a storm cell located over Belcarra.
The warning indicated potential for damaging wind gusts and hail up to quarter-size. Areas including Seymour Heights, Deep Cove, and Mount Seymour Park were identified as potentially affected. Lightning was also detected over Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Burnaby. Environment Canada advised that severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are expected to produce damaging hail, wind, or rain, urging people to take immediate cover to protect themselves from flying debris and hail.
The storm impacted power, with BC Hydro reporting over 11,000 customers without electricity across Vancouver as of 8:50 a. m. Friday. Power outages were noted in the Point Grey and King Edward areas. The weather forecast indicated that conditions were expected to clear by noon, with hazy skies and a chance of local smoke persisting into the afternoon. Despite the morning storm, warmer temperatures were anticipated later in the day.
The morning's disruptive weather followed a period of hazy skies in Metro Vancouver due to wildfire smoke, though air quality was generally within safe ranges. The severe thunderstorm serves as a reminder for residents to stay informed about weather alerts and take necessary precautions during severe weather events.
