A strong southwest flow will develop today and result in an atmospheric river embedded with a series of systems aimed towards the south coast.

Heavy rain will develop early this afternoon Tues. Jan 11, 2021, as the first system arrives and continues until Wed. afternoon as additional systems impact the coast. Rainfall amounts are expected to be 75 to 100 mm, possibly more from early this afternoon to Wed. afternoon. The rainfall combined with rising freezing levels and melting snow has the potential to cause high stream flows and localized flooding.

To help residents prepare for any potential flooding sandbags are being made available at the City’s Public Works Yard, 1737 Broadway Street. City staff will be onsite from 3:30-11:00 p.m. to make additional sandbags as needed for the next two nights.

The City of Port Coquitlam is monitoring the weather forecasts and river levels and taking steps to ensure the safety of residents and businesses. The City’s response plan includes:

• Patrolling, inspecting, and maintaining dikes and pump stations including deploying additional pumps and lowering settings as required.
• Clearing catch basins and drainage intakes in critical and known problem areas to ensure they are in good condition.
• Additional crews and equipment have been deployed to respond to emerging situations.

City staff have prepared signage and barricades and have placed them at all high-priority trails in order to close them if needed as well as low-lying roads.

The public is advised to take the following safety measures:

• Avoid river and creek banks that may be unstable due to higher than normal water volumes.
• Take caution in parks and trails and watch for falling trees or branches.
• Clear debris from catch basins near your property to avoid localized flooding. Locate catch basins at portcoquitlam.ca/catchbasins.
• Watch out for pooling water while walking and driving to the conditions.
• Do not move or drive around barricades on roads as they are there for public safety. Follow posted signage.
• Report fallen trees, dangerous debris, or any other problems to portcoquitlam.ca/report or call 604-927-3111.
• Check the city website for the latest notices for sports fields, parks, and trail closures at portcoquitlam.ca/sportsfields.

Follow the City’s social media channels for the latest notices. A variety of extreme weather resources are available at portcoquitlam.ca/weather and at City facilities. General emergency preparedness resources, including information about free courses, can be found at portcoquitlam.ca/ep.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to develop an emergency preparedness plan to prepare for a potential event.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email ibacachex@portcoquitlam.ca