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 alert for a “severe thunderstorm” in parts of Metro Vancouver, specifically over Belcarra around 8 a.m. PT. The warning also mentioned potential impacts on areas like Seymour Heights, Deep Cove, and Mount Seymour Park.
Lightning strikes were detected by Environment Canada in locations including Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Burnaby. The agency explained that severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or ongoing storms are expected to bring damaging hail, wind, or rain. It advised people to seek immediate shelter if a thunderstorm approaches and safeguard themselves against flying debris and hail.
Meteorologist Brian Proctor from Environment Canada mentioned that nocturnal thunderstorms had been occurring over the North Shore and Vancouver Island mountains. He noted reports of hail and some flooding in north Burnaby, an adjacent suburb of Vancouver. Proctor highlighted that while thunderstorms are somewhat unusual for the Vancouver-Squamish area, they are not unprecedented, especially during the overnight hours.
Over a 12-hour period overnight, approximately 1,600 lightning strikes were recorded across much of southern B.C., including Vancouver Island. Proctor indicated that this was slightly higher than usual for overnight lightning activity. The B.C. Wildfire Service suspected that four wildfires on Vancouver Island were sparked by lightning strikes.
Residents were advised to stay prepared for more thunderstorms, as they could persist into Friday evening and the weekend. Proctor emphasized the importance of seeking indoor shelter upon hearing thunder as a precautionary measure.