Heavy rainfall possible over southern areas of the island

The Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Measures (NLEMO) has been advised by Environment Canada that the province could be affected by heavy rainfall over this weekend. The centre of the storm, and most of the precipitation, is currently expected to pass through the Maritimes and south of Newfoundland. Nonetheless, upwards of 50 mm of rain are possible along the west coast of the island, along the south coast and over the Avalon Peninsula.

Please note that the forecast storm track and storm intensity may change. If the storm tracks further north over Newfoundland, rainfall amounts will be higher. The public is advised to monitor forecasts closely.

Given the impacts of recent flooding in Western Newfoundland, and in particular the Stephenville area, municipalities, home and business owners are advised to take every precaution to ensure public safety and prevent damages that could be caused by any potential flooding. The
public should be listening for updated forecasts and act accordingly.

Some steps to follow are:

• Ensure all drains are free from debris, clean out window and door wells, close all windows etc.
• Ensure that sump pumps are working.
• Keep items such as lawn furniture and ladders out of the wind.
• Secure exposed fishing gear, and both commercial boats and pleasure craft.
• Remove, in a safe manner, dead tree branches from trees that could pose a hazard.
• Ensure that cell phones are charged and that you have fresh batteries for a portable radio should the power go out.
• Should basement flooding occur, ensure that the power is shut off at the main breaker before stepping into water. Care should be taken to prevent electrocution. If you are unsure call a licensed electrician.
• Property owners should advise their municipal officials if they become aware of excessive flooding on streets or blocked drains or culverts.
• Should you become aware of downed power lines, do not touch these, but advise your utility company immediately.
• Municipalities are advised to ensure that all measures such as the clearing of storm sewers, culverts, bridges, drains, etc. are free from debris and that emergency personal are available should the need arise.
• Any equipment operators working to repair recently damaged flood areas should take extreme caution, monitor weather forecasts, water levels, cease operations and act accordingly.

All residents are advised to use caution in undertaking theses preventative measures.

NLEMO is maintaining close contact with Environment Canada to monitor the progress of this system.

For more weather information specific to your area contact the following Web sites and phone numbers.

Environment Canada Warnings:
//www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/warnings/warnings_e.html

Environment Canada Forecasts for Newfoundland & Labrador:
//www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/forecast/canada/index_e.html?id=NF

Radar Coverage:
//www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/radar/index_e.html?id=XME
//www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/radar/index_e.html?id=WTP

Satellite Imagery:
//www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/satellite/index_e.html

Severe Weather Awareness:
//www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/severe/summertips2_e.html

Public Forecasts:
West: (709) 637-4570
Central: (709) 256-6868
East: (709) 772-5534

Media contact: Heather MacLean, Communications (709) 729-1983, 690-2498, heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

2005 10 07                                11:35 a.m.