Municipal Affairs
October 20, 2016

Public Advisory: Residents and Communities Advised of Potential Heavy Rainfall

Residents and communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are advised that Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement regarding the possibility of heavy rainfall for parts of the province on Friday, October 21, through Sunday, October 23.

According to Environment Canada, significant rainfall and strong winds are expected this weekend. For the south coast - total rainfall 50 to 80 mm, with locally higher amounts possible. For central, western and northern Newfoundland - total rainfall 30 to 50 mm. Environment Canada meteorologists are continuing to monitor a scenario which will likely result in heavy rain over some areas on Saturday.

Persons in locations vulnerable to impacts from heavy rain are advised to check for updated forecasts. Latest guidance suggests rain will arrive over most areas on Friday night and then become heavier on Saturday. The highest amounts will likely occur along the south coast of the island where rainfall rates will be most enhanced. The rain is forecast to taper off or end on Saturday night. Strong easterly winds are also expected to accompany this system on Saturday, with gusts possibly approaching warning criteria over some areas. Winds are forecast to ease as they shift to a southwesterly direction over most areas Saturday night.

Environment Canada warnings and advisories can be found at weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=nl .

Residents should be prepared for the possibility of flooding as a result of this weather system. Families and individuals should replenish emergency kits with fresh water, food, batteries and other essential supplies (medications, fuel, etc.), as these items may have been consumed or used during the recent Thanksgiving rainfall event. Also, residents are asked to check with neighbours to ensure their safety and readiness, including seniors, persons with disabilities, and those individuals that may still be displaced or vulnerable after last week's rainstorm.

In the event of a large-scale emergency or disaster, all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should be prepared to cope on their own for at least 72 hours to allow emergency responders to address those most in need. More information about personal emergency preparedness, including a list of items to be included in an emergency kit, can be found at www.getprepared.gc.ca .

Municipalities and local service districts should ensure infrastructure such as roads, ditches and drains are clear of debris and appropriate provisions are made for the delivery of services in the event the weather has a greater effect than anticipated. The Department of Municipal Affairs, Fire and Emergency Services remains available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide communities with advice and guidance by calling 709-729-3703.

Heavy rainfall could negatively impact the ongoing road and infrastructure repairs damaged in last week's rainfall and flooding. Residents in areas that experience heavy rainfall are advised to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary until roads are assessed for hazards. Some of the roads that were impacted by last week's adverse weather are still undergoing repairs and as such may be proactively closed in advance of the rain. If this is required, an advisory to residents will be issued tomorrow (Friday, October 21) indicating which routes will close and when. Residents are reminded to obey all signage and markings along the roads and drive with caution.

Caution is also extended to all those who use forest resource roads for hunting, cabin access or visiting outfitters. Many of these roads are still being repaired since last week's rainfall damage, and they could be negatively impacted by future heavy rainfall.

The Provincial Government will continue to monitor the forecast closely and may issue additional public advisories in the coming days.

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Media contact:

Bradley Power Manager of Media Relations Department of Municipal Affairs 709-729-0857, 690-1810 bradleypower@gov.nl.ca

2016 10 20            2:25 p.m.