Metro Vancouver residents are being advised to prepare for potential power outages as a storm approaches British Columbia's South Coast on Friday. Environment Canada issued a special weather statement warning that strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 80 km/h, could cause tree damage and disrupt power supply.

The weather alert also cautioned that travel conditions may deteriorate due to water pooling on roads, fallen leaves affecting traction, and reduced visibility from heavy rain. Localized flooding is a concern, and residents are urged to monitor river and stream levels for rapid increases.

Winds are expected to subside in the afternoon as the storm front moves inland. Rainfall is predicted to range from 10 to 20 millimeters in most areas, with amounts nearing 30 millimeters in mountainous regions. By Friday evening, the rain is expected to taper off to light showers.

In addition to the upcoming storm, high winds and heavy rain have already caused power outages in various parts of British Columbia overnight. Thousands of residents on Vancouver Island, in the central Interior, and northern B.C. experienced outages as the storm system moved south. B.C. Hydro reported that crews had restored power to most areas by Friday morning, with only a few thousand still affected.

Environment Canada noted that Terrace and Kitimat received the highest rainfall, each recording 95 millimeters. Wind gusts reached 87 km/h in Prince George and 93 km/h in Bella Bella. The B.C. River Forecast Centre has issued flood warnings for the Terrace and Kitimat regions, a flood watch for northern Vancouver Island, and a high streamflow advisory for the south coast and southern Vancouver Island.