Weather service upgrades rainfall alert
Environment & Climate Change Canada replaces special weather statement with rainfall warning ahead of Wednesday storm; flooding, power outages are possible
The federal weather service advised people of wet weather headed New Brunswick’s way this week with a special special statement Monday, but that was upgraded to a rainfall warning Tuesday.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued the rainfall warning just before 4 p.m. Tuesday, reiterating some of the information from Monday’s special weather statement about what to expect Wednesday, but adding information about the potential for more severe developments.
“Heavy rain is expected. The frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall,” the rainfall warning stated.
“Rainfall rates of 10 millimetres or more per hour may occur over some locations. Significant runoff may occur as the rain combines with mild temperatures, leading to considerable snowmelt.”
The warning is in effect for central and southern areas of New Brunswick. The weather event is expected to get underway Wednesday morning and continue until early Thursday, it stated.
Central New Brunswick can expect to see between 25 to 60 mm of rain, it said, while the total rainfall for the southern part of the province could be 60 to 90 mm, “with locally higher amounts possible.”
New Brunswick’s Emergency Measures Organization reminded people in the province Tuesday that they should take steps to prepare for the weather event and protect themselves.
It advised people to ensure gutters are clear, that water is draining away from their homes, that storm drains and catch basins near their homes are clear, and if they need to drive during such a weather event, to adjust their speed according to what’s happening.
It warned that combined conditions of frozen ground and large amounts of rain in a short period could cause flash-flooding, and washouts on roads were possible as well.
It also advised people to have a 72-hour preparedness kit at the ready.
NB Power advised power outages were possible given the incoming weather system, and that the utility was monitoring the situation with work crews poised to act.
The federal weather service advised that similar rainfall events in the past have caused localized flooding, road-shoulder erosion and washouts, disruptions to transportation networks and power outages.
It also warned of how the warmer weather Wednesday into Thursday morning was poised to change dramatically Thursday.
“Temperatures are expected to quickly fall below the freezing mark Thursday,” the Environment and Climate Change Canada warning stated.
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