Loud thunder and bright lightning illuminated the skies over Metro Vancouver and parts of B.C.’s South Coast on Friday morning. Environment Canada issued a yellow warning for a “severe thunderstorm” in certain areas of Metro Vancouver, specifically noting the presence of a severe thunderstorm over Belcarra at 8 a.m. PT. The warning highlighted potential impact areas, including Seymour Heights, Deep Cove, and Mount Seymour Park.
Additionally, Environment Canada detected lightning in various locations such as Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Burnaby. The agency explained that severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when there is a risk of damaging hail, wind, or heavy rain from imminent or ongoing thunderstorms. It advised the public to seek immediate shelter if a thunderstorm approaches and protect themselves from potential hazards like flying debris and hail.
Meteorologist Brian Proctor from Environment Canada mentioned that nocturnal thunderstorms had been occurring over the North Shore and mountains on Vancouver Island. He described these thunderstorms as a typical nocturnal pattern and reported incidents of hail and localized flooding in north Burnaby, a suburb adjacent to Vancouver. While thunderstorms are somewhat uncommon for the Vancouver-Squamish area, Proctor noted that they are not entirely unusual, especially during the overnight and early morning hours.
Proctor shared that approximately 1,600 lightning strikes were recorded across southern B.C., including Vancouver Island, within a 12-hour period overnight, slightly higher than usual. The B.C. Wildfire Service suspected that four wildfires on Vancouver Island were ignited by lightning strikes. Residents were advised to remain vigilant as more thunderstorms were expected to persist into Friday evening and the weekend.
Proctor emphasized the importance of seeking indoor shelter upon hearing thunder as a precautionary measure against potential dangers associated with thunderstorms.