Thousands without power on Christmas as winds, rain continue in B.C. coastal areas [Video]

Thousands of people in British Columbia are without power on Christmas Day as ongoing rainfall and strong winds collapse power lines, disrupt travel and toss around holiday decorations.

BC Hydro says nearly 6,500 customers were without power as of Wednesday afternoon.

Several wind and rainfall warnings also remain in place across the province’s North Coast, Central Coast, western sections of Metro Vancouver near the water and the eastern edge of Vancouver Island.

Environment Canada says the gusts are travelling up to 140 kilometres per hour in some coastal areas.

The weather agency says the weather system will bring up to 80 millimetres of rain to Metro Vancouver and Squamish on Wednesday afternoon while 100 millimetres of rain is in the forecast for North Shore, northern Coquitlam and Maple Ridge.

Environment Canada says the heavy rainfall will last through Boxing Day.

Collapsed power lines also shut down Highway 16 in both …