The following is being distributed at the request of Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador.

Public Advisory: Heavy Rainfall Forecasted on
West Coast and Northern Peninsula of Province

Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) is advising residents of the west coast and Northern Peninsula of the province to take precautions in light of a recent weather warning from Environment Canada.

Environment Canada is advising that a low pressure system is approaching from Quebec. The low will move eastward across the Maritimes tonight with rain beginning over southern sections of the island and spreading northward overnight.  On Thursday, the low will move across the island to lie just off the northeast coast by evening.  Rain will be heavy at times over much of the island as most areas will see 20 to 30 millimetres, with higher amounts upwards of 50 millimetres forecast for western regions.  Southeasterly winds are forecast to increase ahead of the low with gusts near 70 kilometres per hour in the Wreckhouse area tonight.  Behind the low, strong northwesterly winds will develop with gusts to 80 kilometres per hour along the northeast coast.

This warning was issued for the following areas: Northern Peninsula East, Green Bay-White Bay, Channel-Port aux Basques, Burgeo, St. George's, Corner Brook and vicinity, Deer Lake-Humber Valley and Gros Morne.

All residents of these areas are advised to take precautions to prevent damage due to heavy rainfall. Homeowners should check that all drainage systems are clear of debris, and that basement pumps are working.  Any items that could potentially be damaged should be elevated off the ground, and common sense should be used in this regard.

Municipalities are encouraged to take similar precautions.  Culverts and drains should be inspected and any identified problematic areas should be addressed immediately.  Also, municipal infrastructure should be checked to ensure it is working in a manner that can withstand heavy rain if required.

On the heels of Tropical Rainstorm Chantal, residents and municipalities should recognize the capability for heavy rainfall to be experienced in short periods of time causing significant damage.  If precautions are not taken before hand, there is a possibility for damage to be more considerable during and after the rainfall.

Affected residents are reminded to contact their local fire and emergency officials if emergency assistance is required throughout the weather system�s timeframe.

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Media contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 690-2498
heathemaclean@gov.nl.ca

2007 08 08                                                        5:40 p.m.