Some roads in the Quayside and Queensborough neighbourhoods are feeling the effects of the atmospheric river that’s pummeling parts of the province.
As of 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 15, the following roads are currently closed or limited to local traffic only: Quayside Drive is closed between Renaissance Square and Laguna Court; Renaissance Square – local traffic only; 300 block of Fenton Street – local traffic only; and 300 block of Lawrence Street – local traffic only.
“Crews are currently responding to localized flooding throughout the city and will continue to monitor areas throughout the day,” said Ashleigh Young, a communications officer with the city.
In an email to the Record, Young said the city has activated its emergency operations centre to a Level 1. (The EOC helps coordinate the city’s response to events such as flooding.)
The City of New Westminster is urging motorists to drive with caution. It’s also asking residents to ensure that all drainage grates are clear of leaves and debris.
According to Environment Canada, a rainfall warning is in effect for Metro Vancouver, western Fraser Valley, Whistler, Howe Sound and parts of the Sunshine Coast.
“A significant atmospheric river event continues to bringing copious amounts of rain to the B.C. south coast today,” said Environment Canada’s website. “Heavy rain will continue this morning and ease this afternoon as the system moves inland.”
Environment Canada has also issued a wind warming for Metro Vancouver regions near the water. Strong winds are expected to start at noon and last through the afternoon.
“Our aboriculture team is on standby and preparing for any downed trees or branches as a result of the high winds anticipated for this afternoon,” Young said. “As the situations changes and new information becomes available, the city will post to the website and our social media channels.”
Residents are also reminded to call the power outage line at 604-239-6100 to report any outages.
Coun. Patrick Johnstone took to Twitter on Monday morning to offer some advice to residents.
“The wind is starting to kick up in #NewWest. After three days of downpour, soils are really saturated right now, which means trees are more susceptible to windfall,” he tweeted. “Be careful out there, folks, and prepare for power outages.”
Rod Carle, general manager of the city’s electrical utility, said electrical crews will be ready, should the power go out.
“We are on call 24/7 all week long, every day,” he told the Record. “We have two guys that are on call in the event of any emergencies.”
According to Carle, city staff will be meeting at noon today to get an update on any issues related to the weather.
Follow Theresa McManus on Twitter @TheresaMcManus
Email [email protected]
