Loud thunder and bright lightning lit up the skies over Metro Vancouver and parts of the South Coast of British Columbia on Friday morning. Environment Canada issued a yellow alert for a “severe thunderstorm” in some Metro Vancouver areas, indicating a severe thunderstorm was situated over Belcarra at around 8 a.m. PT. The warning also mentioned potential impact zones like Seymour Heights, Deep Cove, and Mount Seymour Park.
Lightning strikes were detected by Environment Canada in various regions, including Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Burnaby. When thunderstorms are expected to bring damaging hail, wind, or rain, Environment Canada issues severe thunderstorm warnings, advising people to seek immediate shelter and safeguard themselves from debris and hail.
Brian Proctor, a meteorologist at Environment Canada, noted that recent nocturnal thunderstorms have been occurring over the North Shore and Vancouver Island mountains. Hail and localized flooding were reported in north Burnaby, adjacent to Vancouver. While thunderstorms are somewhat uncommon in the Vancouver-Squamish area, they are not unprecedented, especially during the overnight and early morning hours.
Proctor highlighted that approximately 1,600 lightning strikes were recorded across southern British Columbia, including Vancouver Island, over a 12-hour period, slightly higher than usual for overnight activity. The B.C. Wildfire Service suspects that four wildfires on Vancouver Island were sparked by lightning strikes. Residents were advised to brace for more thunderstorms as the possibility of continued activity into the weekend looms.
“If thunder is heard, seek indoor shelter. It’s the most crucial action to take,” Proctor emphasized.