Overview
- A slow-moving thunderstorm on Friday produced a lightning strike that hit the roof of a Courtenay home, started a small fire and left resident Cooper Prescott shaken after he felt an electrical shock.
- Courtenay Fire Department reported a sudden surge of calls for fires, downed poles, trees and power lines and asked for mutual aid from Cumberland and Comox Valley crews.
- BC Hydro isolated power to the struck residence and first responders arranged emergency supports for the family while officials warned calls were still coming in.
- Environment Canada posted a short-lived severe thunderstorm warning for the Courtenay area early Friday that was lifted within 20 minutes and kept a broader severe thunderstorm watch in effect for much of Vancouver Island as heavy rain caused localized flooding.
- Environment Canada meteorologist Jennifer Kowal said storms were “swirling off” the island and that dry conditions mean lightning remains likely to start new wildfires, so residents should follow lightning safety guidance and expect continued pressure on local emergency services.