By Canadian Press

Second mudslide victim’s body found as more high winds strike B.C. coast

Dec 22, 2024 | 10:56 AM

High winds are again hitting the coast of British Columbia, as gusts surpassing 100 km/h have been reported at several outlying islands.

The continuing stormy weather comes as police say emergency crews have recovered the body of a second victim killed in a mudslide in the Sea to Sky region during another windstorm last weekend.

Environment Canada says it has issued a wind warning for B.C.’s north and central coast including Haida Gwaii, northern and eastern Vancouver Island as well as parts of the Sunshine Coast, including Powell River.

The agency says winds in some areas may reach 120 km/h, presenting potentially hazardous driving conditions.

In response to the warnings, BC Ferries cancelled a number of sailings in both Haida Gwaii and the area around Campbell River this morning, although some crossing have resumed as conditions improve.

Health and Social Transfer Payments

B.C. to receive nearly $10B in Federal Transfers

Dec 24, 2024

Year in Review

Local MP reflects on bill passed in 2024, but also struggles Canadians faced

Dec 24, 2024

Drugs, Loaded Handgun Found in Stolen Car

Kelowna RCMP seize firearm, weapon in stolen vehicle

Dec 23, 2024

Environment Canada data shows gusts reaching 140 km/h and beyond at Sartine and Solander islands off the northern coast of Vancouver Island today, while locations such as Sandspit and Masset in Haida Gwaii are reporting gusts of 90 km/h or above.

The latest wind warnings come a day after winds exceeding 120 km/h pummeled B.C.’s central coast Saturday, while places such as Bella Bella and the Howe Sound north of Metro Vancouver reported gusts exceeding 90 km/h.

Earlier in the week, winds approaching 140 km/h were reported on Vancouver Island, while last weekend’s severe windstorm led to the mudslide that closed a large section of the Sea to Sky Highway linking Vancouver and Whistler.

A home in the area was also struck by the mudslide, and police recovered the body of one of two occupants on Dec. 15 — the day after the mudslide.

On Saturday night, Squamish RCMP confirmed that crews recovered the second occupant’s body, but did not release the names of the victims.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 22, 2024.

The Canadian Press