The City of Maple Ridge has closed roads due to flooding, and both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows city halls warning the public of high river flows.
Closures in effect this morning included:
• 224th Street, north of 132nd Avenue to 144 Avenue.
• 136th Avenue between 224th Street and Foreman Drive.
• 132nd Avenue between 224th and 220th Streets
• Left lane on Abernathy Way toward 216th Streer and 132nd Avenue, local traffic only.
Motorists are reminded not to drive through flooded roads or closures for your safety, and to prevent damage to neighbouring properties from waves.
A flood watch is in place for the region, upgraded from an advisory by the BC River Forecast Centre. This means river levels are rising and may reach or exceed their banks. Localized flooding is expected, and widespread flooding is possible if conditions worsen, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Check if you live in the floodplan at mapleridge.ca
Sandbags are available to protect your property at the city operations centre (23925 Dewdney Trunk Rd.), and sand empty bags are at Maple Ridge Park (13180 232 St.) (bring your own shovel).
• Stay away from rivers, creeks, and fast-moving water due to unstable banks.
• Avoid flooded parks, and trails.
• Clear gutters and drains near your home.
• Move valuables from low-lying areas.
• Be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.
• Plan to move livestock and pets to higher ground if needed.
For more informatimation see the city flood watch page at mapleridge.ca.
Pitt Meadows residents can get updates and safety tips at www.pittmeadows.ca.
Environment Canada has a forecast calling for heavy rain, with 80 to 130 mm of rain by Friday, and a yellow rainfall warning, bringing a greater risk of landslides, water pooling on roads, and washout of roads.