Crews work to restore power as wind and rain pummel much of B.C.

More than 2,400 customers in B.C. remain without poweras of 8:45p.m. PTThursday, as Environment Canada issued several warnings for strong southeast winds gusting up to80 km/h across muchof the province.

Highway 1 through Coquitlam re-opened shortly before 3 p.m., after drivers were told to expect delays asB.C. Hydro completedrepairs to power lines that came down during strong winds.

The weather agencywarned a "vigorous frontal system" couldcause tree branches to fall, disrupt power and cause other damage.

Advisories were in effect for the Lower Mainland, the southand central coasts, east Vancouver Island, and several areas of the Interiorand central and northern B.C. including the Pine Pass, Fraser Canyon, and theCoquihallaHighway.

Some communities to be without power overnight: B.C. Hydro

B.C. Hydro said power has been restored to more than 90,000 customers, after the strong windsand rain left 100,000 customers without power.

The utility says Thursday night that itexpects100 customers in Prince Georgeand around 1,600 customers between Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, and Fort St. James to be without power overnight. Additional crews are arriving Friday morning to help withrestoration efforts.

Downed line on Hwy 1

Crews worked to repair adowned power line on Highway 1 near Brunette Avenue in Coquitlam. The highway was completely closed for a brief time Thursday afternoon in order to allow crews to safely do their work.

After it re-opened, drivers were warned to expect delays as the heavy congestion cleared.

The utilitywarns anybody who sees a downed power lineto call 911 and stay at least 10 metres back.

Heavy rain on coast

Rainfall warnings were also in effect for the central and north coasts, Howe Soundand Metro Vancouver, where as much as 70 millimetres could fall.

"Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance," Environment Canada wrote in thealert.

The province issued a statement Tuesday urging people across B.C. to prepare for stormy weather.

Residents were advised toprepare an emergency kit and familiarize themselves with their local government's response plan.