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Coquihalla Reopens as Powerful Pacific Storm Leaves Damage Across Southern B.C.

A rare Pacific low delivered hurricane-strength gusts, toppling trucks, cutting power, prompting overnight cleanup.

A road closed sign is shown in this file photo.
Semi truck containers tipped on their side along the Coquihalla Highway during the intense windstorm on Wednesday night.
People walk along a sidewalk as waves and debris crash into the breakwater below Dallas Rd. in Victoria, B.C., on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Overview

  • DriveBC reopened the Coquihalla after an hours-long closure caused by multiple semis blown over near Hope.
  • Environment Canada recorded peak wind gusts of 139 km/h in Hope, with 106 km/h at Victoria Gonzales and 87 km/h at the Coquihalla Summit.
  • BC Hydro reported roughly 17,000 customers without power in the Lower Mainland as crews worked to restore service across several regions.
  • Towing operators estimated about 14 semi trucks tipped, and the Chilliwack Fire Department responded to 18 calls with one minor injury reported.
  • The storm moved into Alberta and Saskatchewan, with lingering snowfall over B.C. mountain passes keeping travel hazardous.