UPDATED: Nelson Hydro/Fortis BC crews deal with massive power outage from Monday's Thunderstorm
By Nelson Daily Staff
Nelsonites were left in the dark for well into the night after a powerful thunderstorm rocked the region Monday evening.
The storm packed wind gusts that knocked numerous trees over power lines, leaving most of the region without power.
The power outage included Nelson Hydro and parts of Fortis BC.
Nelson Hydro crews were joined by contractors in an effort to remove trees and debris from power lines.
The outage is expected to last well into the night.
Trees were knocked down at Lakeside and Gyro Parks in Nelson while Waits News on Baker Street at Ward was hit with a flash flood of water from the torrential rain.
Thunderstorm that rocked Boundary/West Kootenay off to East Kootenay
A severe thunderstorms that passed through southern Arrow Slocan Lakes, West Kootenay and Boundary regions Monday evening it on its way to the East Kootenay.
Environment Canada meteorologists say the storm is slated to hit Invermere to the north and Cranbrook to the south.
Environment Canada warns people to remain indoors when a thunderstorm strikes.
“There isn’t a place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.”
Environment Canada issues Thunderstorm alert for Boundary/West Kootenay
Environment Canada meteorologists, tracking a cluster of severe thunderstorms over the southern Arrow Slocan Lakes, West Kootenay and Boundary regions, have issued a thunderstorm alert.
Environment Canada said these thunderstorms are capable of producing very strong wind gusts, dime size hail and heavy rain.
“The thunderstorms form a line from Burton to Greenwood and are and moving NE into Gladstone Provincial Park in the West Kootenay region,” Enviroment Canada said.
Environment Canada said the public is urged to take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.
“Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles,” the alert said.
“Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
Environment Canada meteorologists will update alerts as required. Please monitor local media or Weatheradio. To report severe weather, send an email to pacificstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports to #BCStorm.
