Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Batten down the hatches: More stormy weather on the way

Victoria police say wet roads were a factor in a Thursday morning collision, and they’re urging motorists to tailor their driving to road conditions. The crash near Blanshard Street and Finlayson Road involved two vehicles. There were no injuries.
TC_36487_web_VKA-warning-7844.jpg
A sign is posted at Willows Beach warning the beach is closed due to heavy rain that led to stormwater and wastewater overflow. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST

Victoria police say wet roads were a factor in a Thursday morning collision, and they’re urging motorists to tailor their driving to road conditions.

The crash near Blanshard Street and Finlayson Road involved two vehicles. There were no injuries.

More rain is expected through Sunday, with a run of sunshine to follow next week. A wind warning, featuring speeds up to 70 kilometres an hour, is in effect largely for coastal areas of Vancouver Island.

Heavy rain Wednesday led to stormwater and wastewater overflows in some shoreline locations.

People are advised to stay clear of the water between Rutland Road in Oak Bay and Seaview Road in Saanich, including Cadboro Bay. Care should also be taken between Currie Road and Cattle Point Lookout Road, including Willows Beach.

Advisory signs have been posted by the Capital Regional District in consultation with Island Health and municipalities.

With the rain has come flooding problems for some. Nathan McDonald, branch manager for Sunbelt Rentals, said the company has seen a surge in pump rentals, along with shop vacuums, dehumidifiers and fans.

“Last year, I can’t tell you how many emergency callouts we did to help people with their floods,” he said. “So I’m assuming we are going to be in for another rainy season this year that will be filled with those.”

Environment Canada meteorologist Carmen Hartt said precipitation has been arriving in the Victoria area in bands, and another was expected late Thursday and early Friday.

She said 10 to 20 millimetres of rain could fall by Friday morning.

To prepare for stormy weather, residents are advised to cut off dead or damaged branches from trees to prevent them from falling onto homes and vehicles during a storm.

Keep sidewalks, gutters, drains, and storm-drain grates clear of leaves to prevent clogging and flooding.

Do not rake leaves onto a street or push them into drains.

Anyone who spots rain pooling in the street or sees branches or trees down can call their municipalities.

If strong winds are expected, residents, businesses and contractors on building sites should tie down anything that might be carried away, including garbage cans, patio furniture, retractable canopies, ladders, hoarding, building materials, banners and awnings. In May, a small tornado picked up a new trampoline on McBriar Street in Saanich and dumped it halfway down the block

If you see a power line down, call 911.

If power goes out, call B.C. Hydro at 1-888-POWERON (1-888-769-3766).

To prepare for a power outage, stock an emergency kit with flashlights, blankets, a portable radio and spare batteries.