Straight Talk

Waves pound the seashore as Vancouver windstorm forces closure of Stanley Park and sections of the seawall

by Charlie Smith on January 7th, 2022 at 1:17 PM
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      What happens when a windstorm coincides with a so-called king tide?

      Vancouverites are seeing the results today.

      Massive waves are crashing on the beaches around Burrard Inlet, with water often flowing over paved areas.

      The high water levels led the Vancouver park board to close sections of the seawall.

      That was followed three hours later by an order to close Stanley Park.

      This morning, Environment Canada warned that wind speeds would reach 70 kilometres per hour and gust up to 90 kilometres per hour today around Metro Vancouver.

      Below, you can see images from today's storm.

      Back in 2006 in one of the city's worst windstorms, thousands of trees were knocked down in Stanley Park, prompting a massive public outcry.

      Millions of dollars later, a fair amount of the park had been restored, thanks in part to the efforts of many volunteers.

      Video: The City of Vancouver posted this video on YouTube on the 10th anniversary of the 2006 windstorm that devastated Stanley Park.

      Meanwhile, out in Chilliwack...

      Update

      The pier at Jericho Beach has suffered extensive damage as a result of today's storm. Water flooded into the nearby compound of the Jerich Sailing Centre.

      B.C. Hydro has reported that 20,000 customers are without power.

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