Metro Vancouver hit with heavy rain, flooding, regional parks forced to close
Posted October 16, 2021 2:59 pm.
Last Updated October 16, 2021 3:00 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Heavy rain has hit parts of the Lower Mainland Saturday, keeping city operation crews busy.
Metro Vancouver announced the closure of the Grouse Grind around 2 p.m., while moments earlier, the district announced a number of trails in the Lynn Canyon area were also closed due to concerns about flooding.
Localized flooding has also been seen in parts of Vancouver, including major intersections such as Broadway and Cambie Street, along with Broadway and Clark Drive.
Due to heavy rains, the #GrouseGrind Trail and the #BCMC Route in #GrouseMountainRegionalPark will be CLOSED for the rest of today (Oct. 16) and Sun. Oct. 17. Trails will only re-open when they have been assessed as safe. For more info, go to: https://t.co/rcWaL1qnip
— Metro Vancouver (@MetroVancouver) October 16, 2021
Environment Canada is expecting almost 100 mm of rain to fall across the Lower Mainland this weekend, with the weather service asking folks to be especially careful near rivers, creeks, and culverts.
Director of Street Operations Amy Sidwell says city crews have been active all day, and have extra crew members out in support of rising calls about flooding.
Due to heavy rains, trails north of the switchbacks (to Norvan Falls, etc) in #LynnHeadwatersRegionalPark are CLOSED due to flooding. For your safety, please comply with posted signs. For more info, go to https://t.co/KPJTPgAfex pic.twitter.com/qt4fLHOoTt
— Metro Vancouver (@MetroVancouver) October 16, 2021
“This time of year, with more leaves falling, we definitely see more issues with flooding,” she said. “So, we’re really reminding residents to make sure that they’re clearing catch basins and and looking out for any flooding issues, and letting us know about them as soon as possible, so that we can respond as quickly as possible.”
Sidwell says the city’s focus is to keep everyone safe, and asks that people give themselves extra time when doing any activities.
A rainfall warning is in effect between now and Sunday. Please stay safe, watch for pedestrians / cyclists & drive for the conditions. Our streets crews are on standby to deal with pooling water. Please report any issues via VanConnect or 311. #Vancouver pic.twitter.com/XPiM1mLnld
— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) October 16, 2021
“Watching out for people travelling on foot or bicycle, and just try to work together to watch out for, for each other and make sure we’re all safe out there.”
Reports of flooding, pooling water, and fallen branches can be done by calling 3-1-1, or by visiting the VanConnect website.