The City of Campbell River warns locals with a weather advisory for tonight through to Sunday afternoon.
With another storm predicted for this area for the next 24 to 48 hours, people should be prepared for heavy rains and high winds – and the potential for strong waves and flooding along shorelines, according to a news release from the city.
Environment Canada has issued a weather advisory for a number of BC locations, starting this evening. The incoming weather system is predicted to be similar to the storm Campbell River experienced Thursday, but potentially with heavier rainfall and sustained high winds.
“This weather can cause falling trees and flying branches. It also brings the potential for surging waves along the water front because we are also experiencing higher than normal tides for the next week,” said Drew Hadfield, City of Campbell River transportation manager. “As we experienced Thursday, those waves can carry all kinds of logs and driftwood, and we want to remind people to be careful driving or walking in treed areas and along the waterfront during storms.”
Because much of Campbell River’s downtown is close to sea level, some areas could experience localized flooding conditions with the combination of heavy rain and the south east wind flow against the storm outlets along the water front.
High tides are forecast for 6:15 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Saturday, and again at 7 a.m. Sunday.
“City crews have been working to ensure the major outfall areas are clear for maximum stormwater flow,” added Hadfield. “We ask that residents continue to assist us in our efforts to prevent flooding by clearing neighbourhood catch basins.”
The City has sand and bags available for people in areas that may experience flooding. People can pick up sand and bags at the city’s Dogwood Operations Centre and 385 South Dogwood St.
Please refer to local weather forecasts for updated information. Please call 250-286-4033 for more information.
During Thursday’s storm, roads flooded and power lines were knocked down when Campbell River was rocked with 80-90 km/hr winds.
“The Campbell River region was the hardest hit on Vancouver Island from yesterday’s storm. Approximately 8,000 customers were out of power at peak,” said BC Hydro spokesperson Stephen Watson.
“The outages were caused by tree debris and tree failures that came across our power lines. Some BC Hydro customers on Cortes Island went through the night without power, given the high winds that impacted BC Ferry sailings. Crews are on the island today to restore power.”
