Heavy rain, flooding wreak havoc across Lower Mainland Friday night

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Friday’s persistent, heavy rain complicated the evening commute and continued to cause flooding and road closures throughout the evening.

The rain picked up just in time for the Friday evening rush and battered the region into the night.

A section of Highway 1 was closed Friday night.

#BCHwy1 – Highway is closed due to rocks on road north of #HopeBC in the Hells Gate area. Crews are on scene, assessment in progress. Detour via #BCHwy5 or #SpencesBridge to #MerrittBC. Next update at 7:00 AM. For more info please check: https://t.co/oy1qMU0NmY

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) February 1, 2020

The city of Port Coquitlam began offering free sand 24/7 so resident could fill sandbags.

With heavy rainfall & the rains forecasted to continue, the City would like to help ensure homeowners are prepared for any potential flooding by providing access to sand at the back of the Public Works Yard 1737 Broadway St. Residents are invited to fill their own sand bags 24/7. pic.twitter.com/ydmAzcCEtt

— City of Port Coquitlam (@CityofPoCo) February 1, 2020

After flooding affected homes in five neighbourhoods, it opened an emergency reception centre.

A listener sent us this picture of flooding in PoCo tonight. Roads are closed and the city is offering 24/7 access to sand for anyone who wants to fill sandbags to use to stem the tide. Stay tuned for the latest. pic.twitter.com/CSENHXaKku

— CityNews Vancouver (@CityNewsVAN) February 1, 2020

Heavy rain is causing major problems across the Lower Mainland. In Port Coquitlam several homes have been flooded, and various roads have been closed. https://t.co/rYFSELxYX6 @NEWS1130 @BT_Vancouver pic.twitter.com/ca5fptarvN

— CityNews 1130 Vancouver (Inactive) (@news1130) February 1, 2020

For resources with regards to flooding please visit https://t.co/KI5PMzoS1A. To report flooding or other concerns please contact Public Works at 604.927.5496.

Updates will be posted on the City website and social media channels.

— City of Port Coquitlam (@CityofPoCo) February 1, 2020

Roads have been closed in Maple Ridge and Port Coquitlam.

Update 10:17 pm: Coast Meridian is completely closed in both directions from Patricia to Lincoln. #PortCoquitlam #CityofPoCo https://t.co/zFkrpNDZwk

— City of Port Coquitlam (@CityofPoCo) February 1, 2020

Due to localized flooding some roads have been closed in the community. We remind citizens that they need to respect the barricades and road closures no matter what type of vehicle that they are driving. Updates have been posted on the City website and Facebook. pic.twitter.com/ezsGEYUD2c

— City of Maple Ridge (@YourMapleRidge) February 1, 2020

Cities across the region began warning drivers and residents to brace for flooding Friday afternoon.

?? Heavy rain has flooded some streets in central Burnaby.
Still Creek Drive currently has limited access in the area of Still Creek Works Yard. In the same area, Westminster Ave is currently closed.

This info is subject to change while the Rainfall Warning is in effect. pic.twitter.com/mfrQMwq4ZB

— City of Burnaby (@CityofBurnaby) January 31, 2020

Our crews are working around the clock today & into tomorrow morning, keeping an eye on river & creek levels, inspecting critical cash basins & delivering sandbags, if needed. A reminder to call 604.990.3666 for emergencies or service on the weekend https://t.co/rQU49UUMmW. pic.twitter.com/BSiJjJrA22

— North Van District (@NVanDistrict) February 1, 2020

Please be aware some roadways in the Township are experiencing severe water pooling due to heavy rain. For your safety, take extra caution when driving in the area even if you feel your vehicle is capable of doing so. Read more: https://t.co/NHbtxWP8QV pic.twitter.com/hIkhTyFhln

— Township of Langley (@LangleyTownship) January 31, 2020

 

High streamflow advisory in effect for South Coast: https://t.co/NNbTTlyDg0
?? River levels may rise & flow may be stronger
?? STAY CLEAR of fast flowing rivers & possible unstable riverbanks
?? Be alert & maintain safe distance from shore – unexpected waves can occur #RichmondBC pic.twitter.com/8VZkyXK2dM

— City of Richmond (@Richmond_BC) January 31, 2020

Potholes form on road surfaces due to seasonal changes in temperature with thawing and freezing. If you see a pothole, use Report a Problem to submit requests and track the issue.

Report today at https://t.co/mZnhKZWzWn pic.twitter.com/uAtrSfksPE

— City of Surrey (@CityofSurrey) February 1, 2020

Due to heavy rainfall, there is a high streamflow advisory in effect. Please keep catch basins clear of debris and stay clear of the river. Stay safe! https://t.co/X48eqJq8Hw #newwest pic.twitter.com/l0phZQXq8x

— City of New Westminster (@New_Westminster) February 1, 2020

The City of Vancouver has opened emergency shelters.

Due to rainfall warnings, Powell Street Getaway and Extreme Weather Response shelters are open in #Vancouver from tonight until Monday morning (Jan 31, Feb 1 & 2). If you need to stay warm & dry please visit one of the locations in the table below: pic.twitter.com/zklUIV659O

— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) February 1, 2020

Stay tuned to NEWS 1130 for weather updates every 10 minutes on the ones and follow meteorologists Michael Kuss and Russ Lacate for the latest.