Heavy rain overnight brought intense flooding and a plethora of road closures throughout Metro Vancouver. Environment Canada had called for significant amounts of precipitation with rainfall warnings, and the downfall did not disappoint, causing disruptions everywhere.
Road and Traffic Impact
Several key roads were underwater, and authorities shut down sections of Highway 1 near Burnaby and Surrey. Residential streets in low-lying Neighbourhoods, such as Richmond and Delta, also flooded, with local governments urging people to refrain from all but essential travel. Public transportation was delayed as bus routes were detoured and some SkyTrain services operating at reduced speeds due to water-drenched tracks.
Flooding into Residential Areas
Many homes experienced basement flooding, and drainage systems were incapable of handling the amount of rain falling. Crews from the city of Vancouver were out trying to unblock storm drains that were clogged to prevent further damage to property. Response teams stood ready, watching the flood-prone areas as they responded to calls for help.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The forecast doesn’t carry much hope of improvement over the weekend as yet, and meteorologists have warned that locals should be updated through weather alerts. As the water continues to rise, more road closures are possible; drivers should exercise caution.
Preparedness and Response
Municipalities across the region have set up locations for sandbags as residents start taking care of their properties. Officials warned residents to avoid walking and driving through flooded areas due to the unpredictability of changing water levels and hidden hazards like downed power lines.
Not expecting the rain to let up anytime soon, Metro Vancouver residents are bracing for more disruptions through the week.