Heavy Rainfall

Rainfall Warnings

• Safety Tips During Heavy Rainfall

  At Home:

  • Ensure storm drains near your house are clear and free of debris.
  • Clear eave troughs and ensure they are pointed down and away from your home and foundation.
  • Make sure that you and your family are as prepared as possible in the event a flood occurs.
  • Sandbags and sand are available during the stormy seasons at the Public Works Yard at 31739 King Road.

  Creeks and Rivers:

  • Torrential rains can cause overland flooding and creeks and rivers to quickly overflow.
  • Avoid these water channels because they tend to fill up quickly.
  • Heavy rainfall results in higher water levels, and there may be elevated risks of flooding and debris flow. If you live near waterways, stay alert for changing conditions. Listen to your local media, check weather websites and follow instructions issued by local emergency officials.
  • Riverbanks that look stable can be eroded beneath the surface, causing unstable ground that could collapse.
  • Keep children and pets away from stream banks and watch for changing conditions, particularly if you live in low-lying areas or near waterways.
  • Creeks can be hazardous since their channels tend to be narrow and they can fill up very quickly. Creeks and rivers can jump their banks and eroding banks can result in unstable ground. People should be particularly attentive to keeping children and pets away from creeks and rivers and watch for rising levels.
  • If you're in a low-lying area which is prone to flooding, consider having sandbags and other tools on hand. Think about clearing basements, garages, and crawlspaces in preparation for possible flooding.

  When Driving:

  • Drive carefully and never attempt to drive through floodwater.
  • The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water and sink holes could exist but be unseen.
  •  Fifteen centimetres (six inches) of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling, while 30.5 centimetres (a foot) of water will float many vehicles.
  •  If a car begins to flood, abandon it quickly and head to higher ground.
• Flooding Preparedness

  Floods and minor pooling of water are common in BC and can happen at any time of year. The most severe floods are usually due to heavy rain and melting snow. They can also be caused by storm surges, ice jams or damage to structures like dykes or dams.

  In some areas of BC, climate change and related extreme weather events have increased the flood risk. Rising temperatures, changing freeze-thaw cycles and rising sea levels can all contribute to flooding.  Review the information on our Flood Preparation webpage and ensure you are prepared in the event of a flood.

  Flood Preparation