A special weather statement has been issued by Environment Canada for the Regional District of Nanaimo and other communities on East Vancouver Island.
The Regional District of Nanaimo has been notified of a powerful storm, called an “Atmospheric River” that is approaching the region tonight and will continue Sunday and Monday. This storm is expected to result in heavy rain and termperatures above freezing which will melt snow that arrived today and which will increase the impact to area rivers, creeks, lakes and storm water drainages. Forecasts are calling for rainfall ranging from 130mm to 160mm during this period, with peak periods of 75mm per 12 hour period in some locations and the RDN anticipates the weather statement to be upgraded to a flood watch or warning.
Please be advised that there is a significant risk of localized flooding in areas that normally experience flooding. Further, there is a risk of landslides in areas that are prone due to heavily saturated soils.
The Regional District of Nanaimo has its Emergency Operation Centre prepared to activate if needed as staff continue to monitor weather updates and river levels.
Be prepared:
Residents in areas prone to flooding are encouraged to take steps to prepare for this significant weather event, including:
- checking personal preparedness kits
- preparing sandbags if needed
- removing personals and valuables from basements or low lying areas that may be impacted by flood water.
- monitor local media and the RDN website, the RDN Facebook page and RDN Twitter feed, #bepreparedRDN
- Coombs-Hilliers #2 Fire Hall located at 3241 Alberni Highway
- Dashwood Fire Hall #1 located at 230 Hobbs Road, Qualicum Beach
Emergency Notifications
If you are told to evacuate by First Responders (Police, Fire, Search and Rescue) please follow their instructions.
The RDN has an Emergency Notification System for emergencies that are large scale and life threatening. If you want to receive them, sign up at: Voyent Alert
Remember to Call 911 for all life-threatening emergencies. The RDN EOC is linked to all agencies involved, (local municipalities, First Nations, Emergency Management BC, Ministry of Transportation, local Fire Departments, RCMP etc).