More than 55,000 BC hydro customers in the dark following severe storm

VANCOUVER – A wind warning has ended for parts of B.C.’s south coast as severe weather overnight left more than 55,000 BC Hydro customers without electricity.

Environment Canada says a rainfall warning remains in effect in Metro Vancouver, Howe Sound and Whistler.

It warns a Pacific frontal system could dump up to 60 millimetres of rain by early Wednesday, though the rainfall is expected to ease in the morning.

The agency warns that heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.

The south coast was lashed overnight with wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres an hour, forcing BC Ferries to delay a sailing and cutting power to almost 80,000 BC Hydro customers at one point.

The hardest hit areas were Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, and Environment Canada says the system is expected to move into the province’s Interior.