Windstorm Hits Chilliwack
A significant windstorm struck Chilliwack, British Columbia, on March 11-12, 2026, causing extensive damage and disruptions across the region.
Wind gusts reached up to 90 km/h, leading to more than 14,000 BC Hydro customers losing power. The storm’s intensity was underscored by Environment Canada issuing a yellow weather warning for wind on March 11.
As the storm progressed, the situation worsened, with BC Hydro reporting over 21,000 customers without power across the Eastern Fraser Valley by March 12. Wind gusts were forecasted to potentially reach 100 km/h in some areas.
In response to the severe weather conditions, five schools in Chilliwack were closed, including Sardis Secondary, which was specifically noted for being without power and deemed unsafe for learning.
School District 33 (SD33) stated, “Due to last night’s severe weather conditions, Sardis Secondary is currently without power, and BC Hydro has not yet provided a timeline for restoration.” They emphasized that “the safety and comfort of our students and staff remains our top priority.”
This windstorm marks a significant weather event for the region, reminiscent of past storms that have similarly disrupted daily life and infrastructure in Chilliwack.
As recovery efforts begin, local authorities are assessing the damage and working to restore power to affected customers. Residents are advised to stay updated on the situation through official channels.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage and the timeline for power restoration across the region.
