Public Service Announcement
Extreme Weather Conditions Expected
Urgent Public Safety Message
Information for the Public
Release Date: December 24, 2020
The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay Public Works Department is informing the public of the below weather warning from Environment and Climate Change Canada:
Rainfall warning in effect for:
- Upper Lake Melville
Rainfall, combined with melting snow, is expected.
Snow, rain and record high temperatures are on the way.
Total rainfall: 15 to 25 mm with higher localized amounts possible, especially over higher terrain.
Locations: western and central Labrador.
Time span: Friday morning until Friday overnight for the heaviest rain but showers or periods of rain may continue until Sunday.
Remarks: Snow will change to rain, at times heavy, on Friday. The rain is expected to taper off overnight Friday night.
Record high temperatures are forecast for Friday, Saturday, and possibly even into Sunday. The rain combined with these extreme high temperatures will lead to significant snowmelt and increased runoff leading to a greater chance for flooding.
Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
Rainfall warnings are issued when significant rainfall is expected.
For more information and to stay up to date on this alert visit:
https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?nl26#531051961433976386202012240507ww1777cwhx
Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay Public Safety Message:
The Town is advising residents that Town Road Crews will be out in force to deal with clearing Municipal Roads of the expected ice and slush. Please review the below:
- Road Sanding crews are scheduled for Christmas morning ( Friday); this will deal with the expected slippery conditions that will result from the initial warming trend.
- As the temperature rises, the build-up of snow/ice melt on the roads will create slush and rutting; if required, Graders and Plows will be dispatched to remove the material as timely as possible.
- This activity will result in the heavy wet material placed in residential driveways. Though unfortunate, Town crews will not be clearing this material from the driveways as the required resources are not available to clear all residential driveways.
- Residents are advised to clear material from their driveway before the significant temperature drop is expected Sunday night through Monday morning. Any material that has not been removed from driveways will freeze solid. Once again, the Town cannot clear this material as the required resources are not available.
- Residents can also expect the sudden temperature increase combined with heavy rainfall, which will also result in some pooling and localized flooding. Town crews will attempt to address these areas by pushing snow away from the roadside to create places where the water can drain municipal roads.
Understanding that it is Christmas Day and Boxing Day timeframes that we are dealing with, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is advising residents to stay off roads unless necessary.
Please refrain from parking on the side of roadways so that Town crews can clear the roads as efficiently as possible. We apologize for these essential measures; however, it is imperative that streets are cleared as quickly and safely as possible to ensure safe access for Fire and Emergency Vehicles in the event they are required.
The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and extends sincere wishes for a Safe and Merry Christmas.