Update… Strong thunderstorm causes power outages around Prince George…
PRINCE GEORGE
Friday, May 5, 2023 | 8:20 pm. Updated at 8:45 pm May 5.
UPDATE 2: Hwy 97 is now open to full traffic. The downed line is a telephone service line.
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UPDATE 1: Highway 97 is CLOSED in Prince George between Noranda Rd and Knell Road on the Hart Highway. Next update after 9:15 pm.
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Expect the power outage list to grow as a strong thunderstorm with 90 km/h winds has knocked out power to some Hart area residents and rural areas of Prince George, including Shelley and Giscome.
As of 8:20 pm, just over 850 area residents in Prince George are without power.
While the thunderstorm itself didn’t occur over Prince George, many rural areas saw it roll in. Prince George did not escape the strong wind gusts, gusting up to 90 km/h during the peak of the thunderstorm.
DriveBC.ca is reporting a downed hydro wire on Highway 97 north of Prince George at Knell Road. The line is blocking both lanes of travel.
The storm system is currently headed in a westerly direction.
PJXM News & Safety Information 