Extreme Storm Event - City Crews Out in Full Force

Update - November 24 - 3:00pm

Another series of storms are forecasted to impact Metro Vancouver over the coming days, bringing more rain and wind.

For updates and information regarding the City's response to these storms, please visit: Information Bulletin: Extreme Weather Update - Nov 24.

Update - November 19 - 6:45pm

New provincial fuel rules are in place to ensure essential vehicles can deliver critical services throughout British Columbia. View the full list of fuel rules at: Government of BC - Flood Response. For the time being, make use of Richmond's transit system, cycling network and multi-use pathways. Now is a great time to leave your car at home when you can. Please DO NOT panic buy gas.

The Government of British Columbia is offering financial assistance to those affected by flood damage. Financial assistance is meant to compensate for sudden, unexpected, and uninsurable losses. To see if you are eligible, visit: Government of BC - Finance Assistance in a Disaster.

Supports are also available to business owners and farmers who have been impacted by recent extreme weather events: if you or someone you know needs support, visit: Government of BC - Supports for Businesses Impacted by Disasters or call Small Business BC: 1-800-667-2272.

Effective Monday, November 22, glass and foam collection (both curbside and at the Richmond Recycling Depot) have been halted due to provincial flood impacts.

Update - November 17 - 3:30pm

All storm-related road closures have reopened.
The sanitary failure at Gilbert and Blundell has been repaired.
An increase in logs and large woody debris may be experienced on the Lower Fraser River through the week. Please take extra caution if operating marine vessels or waterside infrastructure.

Update - November 16 - 5:00pm

Current Road Closures

⁠City Crews are continuing to assist Metro Vancouver with a sanitary failure at Gilbert and Blundell – PLEASE AVOID THE AREA.⁠
Westminster Highway closed both directions between Garden City Road and Cooney Road.

Update - November 16 - 10:00am

Wind and Rainfall Warnings (Environment Canada) have ENDED.
The High Streamflow Advisory (issued by River Forecast Centre) has also ENDED.

Crews worked through the night addressing outstanding service requests and are continuing through today.

Thank you to everyone who lent a helping hand to neighbours and fellow community members in need during the storm.

Current Road Closures

Closed at NB Williams and No. 5 Road, SB No. 5 Road & Blundell, EB King Road at No. 5 Road. Traffic control is in place. Local traffic only.
⁠City Crews are continuing to assist Metro Vancouver with a sanitary failure at Gilbert and Blundell – PLEASE AVOID THE AREA.⁠
Westminster Highway closed both directions between Garden City Road and Cooney Road.
BC Hwy 99: Flooding between Blundell Rd and Exit 36: Westminster Hwy (Richmond). Traffic is being rerouted onto Westminster Highway. Visit Drive BC for updates.⁠

Update - November 15 - 5:30pm

Rainfall is easing off and drainage systems are working to catch up. Water accumulation is expected to begin to recede overnight. City staff continue to monitor and respond to conditions around the clock.

Please exercise caution in areas such as parks, trails, roads and other places that have been affected by rain, higher than normal water levels or high winds. Keep an eye on pets and children and respect signage/any areas that may be cordoned off.

Update - November 15 - 1:30pm

City Operations staff are out responding to drainage issues to alleviate where possible. As rain tapers off, staff are expecting water levels to recede. Meanwhile, wind is expected to pick up. Please be cautious during this time as tree debris/loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. Use caution if near wooded parks.

Current Road Closures

Closed at NB Williams and No. 5 Road, SB No. 5 Road & Blundell, EB King Road at No. 5 Road. Traffic control is in place. Local traffic only.
City Crews are also currently working with Metro Vancouver to address an issue causing flooding at Gilbert and Blundell – PLEASE AVOID THE AREA.
Sidaway Road is closed at Blundell and Steveston Highway.
BC Hwy 91 Westbound: Flooding between Jacombs Road and No. 5 Road. Southbound off to highway 99 ramp closed.
BC Hwy 99 at Westminster Highway. Traffic is being rerouted onto Westminster Highway. Visit Drive BC for updates on Highways.

Reminder: The City's Public Works Dispatch line is experiencing a high volume of calls and longer wait times. We appreciate your patience as we respond to calls where help is needed.

Original New Release - November 15 - 11:00am

With heavy rainfall sweeping across Metro Vancouver, City of Richmond crews are out in full force responding to the high volume of water. The City is aware of pooling water in certain areas and crews are doing what they can right now to address the accumulation.

Dikes and pump stations are working as expected and are not experiencing functional issues.

City Crews are also currently working with Metro Vancouver to address an issue causing flooding at Gilbert and Blundell – please avoid the area.

Who to call

For minor water accumulation on your property, you can report it to the 24-hour City of Richmond Public Works Dispatch Line at 604-270-8721. This number can also be used to report traffic signals not working, as well as hazardous or downed trees on streets,sidewalks or parks.

During this time, the City is receiving a high volume of calls and longer wait times are anticipated. Extra staff are on hand to assist in taking calls and the City appreciates the public’s patience at this time as crews respond to each request as quickly as they can.

For emergencies due to water or flooding, where personal safety or property is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If you see downed power lines, stay at least a bus-length (10 metres) away and call 9-1-1. Lines could be active.

For power outages, check the BC Hydro outage list, outage map or the @BCHydro Twitter account. If your outage isn't listed, call 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376) or *HYDRO (*49376) on your mobile phone to report the outage.

Stay safe with these stormy weather tips

Richmond is currently subject to an Environment Canada Rainfall Warning and a Wind Warning. A high streamflow advisory is also currently in effect for the South Coast including Metro Vancouver, as per the BC River Forecast Centre.

High Winds:

Be cautious during this time as tree debris/loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. Use caution if near wooded parks.
On your own property, remember to secure items that may blow away and clear drains/gutters of leaves or other debris to help prevent flooding.
Check the street storm drains and gutters around your property and clear them of any leaves or debris. This helps prevent pooling or localized flooding.
Keep your emergency kit handy, as well as back-up phone chargers, flashlights and any other items you may need (ie. medication, food items).

High streamflow:

River levels may rise and flows may be stronger. If it’s windy out, unexpected waves can occur.
STAY CLEAR of fast flowing rivers and possible unstable riverbanks. If you are near fast flowing water: stay alert, be careful and maintain a safe distance from the shorelines.
Keep children and pets (keep pets on a leash) away from shorelines and riverbanks
Be aware of potential increase in logs or floating debris

On the Roads:

Visibility is poor in Storm conditions — especially when it is dark. Always be alert, watch for all other road users and be prepared to stop. Please take extra care if you are on the road:

SLOW DOWN and drive for the conditions
Turn your headlights/taillights on
Leave generous stopping/following distance between other vehicles
Give yourself extra travel time to arrive at your destination safely
If traffic signals are not working, please follow the four-way stop procedure
Pedestrians - wear bright clothes, lights and reflectors if you are on foot or bike

For more information, visit Residents Guide to Winter Weather.

Follow your local news outlets and government sources for the most updated information. Updates will also be posted to the City's social media channels.