Coquitlam residents are being asked to be prepared for gusts of wind that could down trees and power lines over the next 24 hours.
Environment Canada has placed all of Metro Vancover under a wind warning due to a Pacific weather system bringing strong winds and rain.
Southeast winds of 30 km/h and gusting to 50 km/h will continue though Tuesday, Sept. 26 in what is the first storm of the autumn season.
With most trees carrying heavy foliage, tree branches are more prone to break in strong winds, leading to "more damage and power outage than subsequent wind storms of similar wind speeds later in the season," Environment Canada states on its website.
Closer to the water, winds could gust as high as 70 km/h, causing loose items to be blown in the wind.
In response, the City of Coquitlam is asking residents to be vigilant and to take extra care around trees.
Knowing what to do in the event of a power outage is also important, the city states in a press release.
"A few cautionary steps can help protect your family and home from the effects of a windstorm. Secure anything that might blow away in a storm, including garbage carts and lawn furniture. Prepare an emergency plan and kit for your family so you are ready in the case of a power outage or any emergency condition."
For more information on emergency preparedness and response, you can visit the City of Coquitlam's website.
Motorists and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution when traveling under these conditions, and treat any traffic signal that is dark or flashing as an “all-way stop”.
In the event of a high wind warning, please also remember to:
- Be watchful of trees that have fallen
- Stay at least 10 metres away from hanging or fallen power lines
- Call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency
How to report a power outage
- To report a power outage or hanging power line, call 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376) or *HYDRO (*49376) on your mobile. To monitor updates on current power updates, visit bchydro.com/outages.
- To report debris on roadways, please contact the City’s Engineering Customer Service line at 604-927-3500 or [email protected].
- To report a tree on City property that appears to have suffered storm damage, please contact Coquitlam Parks & Facilities Customer Service at 604-927-6300 or [email protected].
- Report emergency city drainage problems to Coquitlam’s 24-hour Engineering and Public Works line at 604-927-3500.
