B.C. collision shops are experiencing an influx of tree-damaged vehicles following heavy coastal storms that brought 306 mm of rain and wind gusts up to 102 km/h since November 6, with wind damage proving more severe than water damage for vehicles.
- Heavy rain and strong winds have impacted B.C. since November 6, with the latest storm bringing 306 mm of rainfall at Port Mellon and wind gusts reaching 102 km/h
- Collision shops report falling trees and branches as the primary cause of vehicle damage, with wind damage exceeding water-related damage
- A fatal accident occurred on Highway 10 in Surrey when a tree fell on vehicles, killing one driver
- Approximately 490,000 BC Hydro customers experienced power outages during the storm sequence
- ICBC comprehensive insurance covers falling object damage and windstorms, and owners should avoid starting water-damaged vehicles to prevent additional harm
Collision businesses in Canada's Pacific region are grappling with an influx of severe weather-related business.
Heavy rain and strong winds, which have been hitting B.C. since Nov. 6, are bringing down trees, cutting power and damaging vehicles on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
The latest storm brought prolonged heavy rain from Nov. 10. Environment Canada recorded 306 mm (12 inches) at Port Mellon, 248 mm (9.8 inches) at Kennedy Lake and 123 mm (4.8 inches) at Port Alberni Airport between Nov. 10 and 5 a.m. Nov. 12.
During the same period, wind gusts reached 102 km/h (63 mph) at Sisters Island in the Strait of Georgia. Provincial transportation officials warned drivers to expect water pooling on roads, fallen debris and road closures.
According to the people working at bodyshops in the region, it is the wind that has led to the most serious problems for drivers. In Sechelt, a bodyshop received numerous calls about tree-damaged vehicles while at a Port Alberni business, numerous vehicles damaged by trees have already arrived at a local bodyshop.
At Pacific Chevrolet in Port Alberni, bodyshop manager David Todd said wind has caused more problems for vehicles than rain.
“I’d say the wind’s a lot more damaging right now than water,” he told Collision Repair.
Todd said trees and branches falling onto vehicles are a familiar problem during autumn and winter on Vancouver Island. His shop has not experienced an increase in work during the latest storms.
“It hasn’t really affected our workload at all,” he said. "You have to expect this sort of weather on the West Coast."
The shop’s elevated location has helped protect it from flooding. Customers have called about water leaking into vehicles, although the shop does not perform water-leak repairs.
In Ucluelet, no storm-related business was reported at Ukee Towing.
Elsewhere in B.C., falling trees have caused fatal injuries. Surrey police reported that a tree fell across Highway 10 between 182 and 184 streets around 8 p.m. Nov. 7, trapping two vehicles. One driver died at the scene and the other suffered minor injuries.
Approximately 490,000 BC Hydro customers had experienced outages during the storm sequence as of Nov. 11.
A warning posted on the utility’s X account urged residents to “stay at least 10 metres back from any downed power line and call 911.”
The ICBC’s optional comprehensive insurance covers vehicle damage from falling objects, windstorms and rising water. Its flood guidance advises owners to have water-damaged vehicles towed for inspection before attempting to start them.
“If water has entered your vehicle, don’t attempt to start it as that can cause more damage,” the guidance states.
