Mackay Creek and Gallant Creek have overflowed their banks, and people are being urged to stay back so crews can get people to safety, according to a social media update by DNV Mayor Mike Little. Deep Cove Road is closed at Caledonia as heavy rain continues to fall across the North Shore.
The North Shore Emergency Management has issued a public safety alert and set up a centre for flood evacuees.
If you are heading to Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, Metro Vancouver cautions that the Hanes Valley Route’s creek crossing is unsafe due to high water levels. Stay back from the creek edges due to heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, DNV crews are working to ensure that storm systems and roads are clear, and people are asked to help by clearing leaves or debris from catch basins. People are also being asked to keep their pets leashed and children a safe distance away as water levels change quickly.
Grass fields in the District are closed this weekend due to the weather. If you encounter any flooding or pooling water, use the Report a Problem tool at https://DNV.org/Report.
Flood watch for Metro Vancouver
British Columbia’s River Forecast Centre has issued a flood watch for multiple regions along the province’s coast, as a powerful system of atmospheric rivers continues to bring heavy rainfall. The affected areas include:
Central Coast: Kingcome River and Owikeeno River regions.
South Coast: Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound, Sea-to-Sky corridor, and tributaries around Sechelt, Squamish, and Whistler.
Lower Fraser Tributaries: Lillooet River, areas surrounding Pemberton, Metro Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, and the Fraser Valley.
Vancouver Island: All regions except West Vancouver Island.
Significant Rainfall for North Shore
Since the onset of the storm system, rainfall totals have varied widely across the province. West Vancouver Island has experienced the heaviest downpours, ranging from 70mm to 280mm. Other regions, including Vancouver Island, recorded between 40mm and 90mm, while the Central Coast recorded 20mm to 60mm. The Howe Sound area and the North Shore Mountains saw significant rainfall, ranging from 50mm to 140mm.
The South Coast and Lower Mainland, encompassing Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, reported between 20mm and 60mm of rainfall, contributing to the ongoing flood concerns.
Heavy Rain will continue
The weather forecast indicates that the heavy rain will persist through Saturday and Sunday, with a brief potential easing later on Saturday before another wave of intense rainfall occurs overnight and into Sunday morning. The focus of the heaviest precipitation remains on the southwest corner of Vancouver Island, extending to Howe Sound, the North Shore Mountains, and the Fraser Valley.
Officials urge residents in these areas to remain vigilant, as moderate to heavy rain is expected to continue, heightening the risk of flooding and related impacts.
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Looking forward receiving updates on developments taking place on our north shore.
Brian Cox