Rainwater in a puddle

Be prepared for possible flooding tomorrow

December 26 2022 –

Due to a storm surge tomorrow, an exceptionally high tide and high winds are being forecast with moderate to elevated flooding risk for some low-lying coastal areas.

Water levels are forecasted to be at their highest at 9am tomorrow, December 27, when a king tide combined with a significant storm surge of ocean water from the incoming storm is anticipated to raise the tide to a historic high.

This will potentially cause flooding in a number of areas, including the Fraser River, English Bay, False Creek and Burrard Inlet. Low-lying areas in the floodplains will be at an elevated flood risk and may experience overland flooding. These include Southlands, Fraser River floodplain, and Locarno/Spanish Banks.

As a precautionary measure, the Stanley Park seawall will be closed tomorrow from the Lions Gate Bridge to English Bay, and in front of Kits Pool.

The public is asked to exercise caution when near the water or floodplains, obey any closure signage and be prepared to take action if you are in an affected area.

Updates will be shared via Alertable.ca, and on the City’s social media channels.

Flood risk areas

Southlands, the Fraser River floodplain, Locarno and Spanish Banks will be at an elevated flood risk, and residents are strongly advised to monitor outdoor conditions and make plans for their safety. 

Here’s what you can do to help stay safe:

  • Do not drive, walk, or roll through flood waters.
  • Plan an exit route that does not take you into low-lying areas, if flooding occurs.
  • Be prepared to either evacuate in advance or stay indoors on an upper floor until floodwaters recede.
  • Prepare a grab-and-go bag with essentials for the next 24 hours or longer. 
  • Use sandbags to protect entrances to low buildings.

City response

We have activated an operations centre to monitor the tides and weather, and to prepare for possible flooding impacts.

Engineering and Parks staff are mobilizing to support essential infrastructure and services in the area, to the extent that they can safely do so, and will endeavour to facilitate sandbag distribution to residents.

We will also be installing electric signs in potentially affected areas today, and going door to door to notify potentially impacted property owners about the risk.