Waters have begun to recede in local rivers that were swollen with rainwater Jan. 3.
Thursday (Jan. 3) saw flooding at Martindale Road in the Parksville area beside the Englishman River near Parry’s RV Park — a location which often sees flooding.
However, Regional District of Nanaimo staff observed local rivers the morning of Jan. 4 with positive results.
“The RDN observed the rivers and waters have begun to recede with the majority if roads being cleared of water,” said Catherine Morrison, the RDN’s manager of emergency services.
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In addition to Martindale, there had been flooding of Price Road near Errington Road in Errington, and reports from residents of flooding in French Creek, Brittain Boulevard in Whiskey Creek and Pratt Road.
Many local rivers breached their banks, said Morrison, inlcuding Little Qualicum River, Englishman River, Nanaimo River and French Creek.
Morrison, said that, despite flooding in some areas, it did not trigger any emergency action.
B.C.’s River Forecast Centre had a flood watch advisory maintained for the Englishman River and the Little Qualicum River into Jan. 4, but has since reduced the warning to a high streamflow advistory. Also, there is no alert for high levels of rain. Environment Canada shows, however, that rain is expected to continue into next week.
River Forecast Centre data predicts river flows at Little Qualicum River near Qualicum Beach and Englishman River near Parksville will reduce after Jan. 4.
Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department has been monitoring the Little Qualicum River, posting updates to its Facebook page. An update this morning showed water just under the bank.
The RDN tweeted out Jan. 3 that, “For any residents experiencing flooding, sand and sandbags are available at the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department and Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department. Bring your own shovel.”