Snow has blanketed the region this week but Environment Canada says the forecast will be changing to weather Metro Vancouver residents are a little more accustomed to: rain.
It is expected to start Saturday and continue well into next week, which could cause flooding in some parts of the Tri-Cities, especially given the mounds of snow that have accumulated in the last week.
"We are transitioning our focus to clearing catch basins focusing on low-lying areas to prevent localized flooding," said Forrest Smith, Port Coquitlam's director of engineering and public works. "We appreciate the help of residents and business in making sure catch basins near their properties are clear from snow and debris and that the water has a clear path for drainage to help prevent localized flooding."
Coquitlam is also asking residents to do their part.
The city of Coquitlam said it will be monitoring drainage issues and clearing intakes throughout the municipality to prevent turning roads into "swamps and ice rinks over the winter as temperatures rise and fall."
City crews were out Thursday night and into Friday re-plowing Priority 1 routes to make sure the lanes are wider where possible in anticipation of possible flooding and drainage issues that could come with the melting snow.
"The clearing of accumulated snow and ice to create wider routes may result in larger amounts deposited on sidewalks and driveway letdowns," the city said in a Friday morning snow response update. "This is necessary to avoid flooding of major roadways."
Crews will continue to salt routes and clear catch basins over the next 24 to 36 hours, according to the city website. They added that residents should shovel their sidewalks within 10 hours of any snowfall and make sure fire hydrants are clear in case of an emergency.
Coquitlam residents looking for their nearest catch basins can go to the city's catch basins map and look up their address. Basins are marked by purple dots.
To report an area of concern, use the city's snow response tool. For more information on winter-weather tips, go go www.coquitlam.ca/winterwise.
