Maple Ridge residents warned of flood risk as storm looms
Posted November 29, 2021 9:15 pm.
Last Updated November 29, 2021 9:16 pm.
City staff in Maple Ridge are going door to door, warning people whose properties are at increased risk of flooding as a third storm is forecast to hit B.C. Tuesday.
In an update posted Monday, the City says the forecast is calling for the third atmospheric river to bring 200 millimetres of rain to the mountains north of the community, and 100 millimetres to the low-lying areas.
“The next rainfall will likely result in additional flooding and road closures,” says an update on the city website, adding people who are receiving hand-delivered letters from the city are being asked to prepare for the possibility of evacuation.
“If you are in these areas you are asked to ensure that you have an emergency plan and that you take steps to protect your pets and valuable property should an evacuation be required.”
Update on the upcoming weather system posted at https://t.co/HCMBllF0ST
— City of Maple Ridge (@YourMapleRidge) November 30, 2021
The risk, according to the city, is highest near the South Alouette River.
“The Alouette Reservoir peaked on Monday as the rain from the last system flushed into the reservoir BC Hydro is currently doing a controlled release of water into the South Alouette to create capacity for the next storm, however rainfall amounts at the high end of the forecast range will result in the dam reaching ‘freecrest’ level resulting in an uncontrolled release into the South Alouette,” the update continues.
Water from the North Alouette has receded, and roads closed due to flooding have been reopened, however, the city says “with the higher levels of water flow projected on the South Alouette, we may have conditions similar to the Nov. 15 weather event or greater.”
Sand and sandbags are available at two sites in the city: the 232 Street parking lot at Maple Ridge park adjacent to the South Alouette Bridge, and the parking lot adjacent to the Hammond outdoor pool at 20601 Westfield Avenue.
Lougheed Highway had to be closed during the weekend storm due to flooding.
