Metro Vancouver braces for possible flooding, portions of seawall to close
Posted December 26, 2022 5:45 pm.
Last Updated December 27, 2022 9:47 am.
The City of Vancouver is warning residents to prepare for possible moderate to elevated flooding due to a storm surge and “exceptionally high tide” and high winds on Tuesday, Dec. 27, with risks especially high in low-lying areas near the ocean in southern B.C.
As a precautionary measure, the Stanley Park seawall will be closed from the Lions Gate Bridge to English Bay, as well as in front of Kits Pool, the advisory said.
Due to the current conditions, Stanley Park Seawall from Lion's Gate to English Bay, and sections around Kits Pool will be closed until further notice (Tuesday, December 27th). Please take care in all low-lying coastal areas, beaches and waterfront over the coming days. pic.twitter.com/n4FOeXJKVk
— Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation (@ParkBoard) December 27, 2022
CityNews Meteorologist Carl Lam advises taking caution if you’re near the water on Tuesday.
“The concern with some flooding is from high tide and it’s going to be crashing into low-lying areas, assisted by that wind that’s driving those waves on shore,” he said.
“So, if you are in a low-lying area, especially on the coast, just be mindful that those are some areas you’re going to want to pay extra attention to today,”
Water levels are forecasted to be at their highest at 9 a.m. Tuesday, potentially causing flooding in a number of areas, including the Fraser River, English Bay, False Creek, and Burrard Inlet.
Low-lying areas in the flood plains will be at an elevated flood risk, the City said, and may experience overland flooding. These areas include Southlands, Fraser River floodplain, and Locarno/Spanish Banks.
Related Stories:
-
Storm surges, coastal flooding possible in low lying Metro Vancouver areas
-
Flood watch issued for Metro Vancouver
-
Bus travel safer than cars, B.C. transportation expert says
The public is asked to exercise caution when near the water or floodplains, follow any closure signage, and be prepared to take action if they are in an affected area.
The Government is advising the public not to drive, walk, or roll through flood waters; plan an exit route that avoids low-lying areas; be prepared to either evacuate in advance or stay indoors on an upper floor until floodwaters recede, and use sandbags to protect entrances to low buildings.
⚠️Storm Surge Update — Dec 26 11:00am⚠️
The high tide has passed today with no reported flooding issues. Notices to residents in Beach Grove & Boundary Bay are being delivered to advise of the storm surge event tomorrow, Dec 27, & to encourage residents to take precautions. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/jU9zPs0eAk— City of Delta (@CityofDeltaBC) December 26, 2022
In preparation for possible flooding, city staff have set up a control center to monitor the tides and weather and prepare to respond to flooding impact.
The city is also installing electric signs in potentially affected areas as early as Monday afternoon and has started to go door to door to notify potentially impacted property owners.
