The first in a series of storms has hit the South Coast Friday, and BC Hydro is reporting that tens of thousands of customers have lost power as a result.

As of 1:45 p.m. Friday, there were around 40,000 customers without power. Nearly 18,000 of those were in the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast, and more than 20,000 were on Vancouver Island.

The utility says the many of those power outages were caused by the wind storm or downed power lines due to trees falling across wires.

BC Hydro says that residents who come across downed power lines should stay at least 10 metres away from the area.

“When a power line comes into contact with the ground, electricity can spread through the surrounding area,” it said.

“Think of it like ripples moving across a pond. The closer you are to the point of contact, the greater the danger.”

It isn’t just the line itself that’s a hazard, BC Hydro says.

“Trees, fences, vehicles, and other objects touching a power line can also become energized,” it said. “That’s why it’s important to stay back and keep others away too.”

A powerful storm system is moving across B.C.’s coastal regions Friday, with rainfall warnings in effect for parts of Metro Vancouver.

Environment Canada issued a yellow-level rainfall warning early Friday, with up to 80 millimetres of rain expected in higher-elevation areas of the North Shore and near southern Howe Sound.

The heaviest rainfall is expected throughout Friday, with conditions gradually easing overnight, Environment Canada says.

However, the weather service says, this is just the first in a series of wet and windy weather ahead, with more storm systems expected to hit the B.C. coast into next week.

Customers who experience a power outage can check the estimated restoration times on BC Hydro’s website.