B.C.’s storm season may start with the first major windstorm or atmospheric river, but the conditions that determine its impact can take shape months earlier.

 A new BC Hydro report, The new reality: Emergency season is year-round,  finds that the effects of drought, persistent heat and wildfire can linger long after temperatures cool. Trees weakened by dry conditions, wildfire-damaged landscapes and stressed infrastructure can become more vulnerable when severe fall and winter storms arrive.

 The report underscores a growing reality across British Columbia: emergency seasons are becoming increasingly connected. With 22 active wildfires still burning across the province and drought conditions lingering in many areas, the transition from wildfire season to storm season is no longer as clear-cut as it once was. At the same time, forecasters are monitoring the potential development of what’s become known as a ‘super’ El Niño, which could bring continued weather volatility in the months ahead.

 "There isn't always a clean break between wildfire season and storm season anymore," said Whitney Deane, BC Hydro spokesperson. "What happens during a hot, dry summer can leave its mark for months. Trees weakened by drought or wildfire may not fail until the first major windstorm arrives, which is why we're increasingly thinking about preparedness as a year-round effort."

 Why summer matters during storm season

Trees and vegetation remain the leading cause of storm-related outages across B.C.

 Prolonged drought can weaken trees and root systems, while wildfire can damage trees that remain standing long after flames are extinguished. These risks often aren't visible until high winds, heavy rain or snow place them under additional stress.

 Beyond power outages, wildfire-affected landscapes can also face increased risks of flooding, erosion and landslides when significant rainfall returns.

 How BC Hydro is preparing

The same conditions reshaping emergencies are changing how BC Hydro prepares for them.

 During the 2026 wildfire season, crews replaced 1,265 power poles and 110 transformers while restoring damaged infrastructure across the province. As wildfire response winds down, many of those same crews transition directly into storm readiness.

 To prepare for storm season, BC Hydro has:

• Tripled annual vegetation management spending over the past six years to approximately $150 million to identify and remove hazardous trees and vegetation near power lines.
• Expanded the use of advanced weather forecasting and outage prediction tools that help identify areas at elevated risk before storms arrive.
• Continued investments to strengthen infrastructure and improve system resilience against increasingly frequent extreme weather events.

 Preparedness is a shared responsibility

The report stresses that emergency preparedness should not begin when a storm warning is issued. Preparing before severe weather arrives can help households remain safe and comfortable during prolonged outages or service disruptions.

BC Hydro encourages customers to:

• Build or refresh a 72-hour emergency kit with water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies.
• Create a household emergency plan so family members know how they will communicate and where they will go if services are disrupted.
• Know where to get the latest outage updates, download the BC Hydro’s new mobile app or visit bchydro.com/outages for the most up-to-date information.
• Stay at least 10 metres away from downed, damaged or low hanging power lines and always call 911 to report them.