Flash flooding in Halifax, Dartmouth as storm drains overflow
HALIFAX, N.S. — A thunderstorm struck parts of HRM early Saturday morning, bringing heavy rainfall and causing flooding in some areas.
The municipal government issued a statement around noon, warning of dangerous areas still damaged from July’s flood.
“Residents are asked to use caution today as heavy rain events will impact ditches, roads and other infrastructure not yet repaired from previous flooding.”
Halifax Regional Police are currently asking residents to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel if possible. Those who are travelling are asked to remain attentive on the roads.
Flash flooding made some major roads impassable, including Wyse Road before the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge, as well as Portland Street near Alderney Landing.
Lower Water Street saw higher waters, with storm drain backup causing over a foot of water to engulf the road. The Windsor Street exchange also flooded, grinding traffic to a halt.
Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning for Halifax, with precipitation forecast ranging from 50 to 70 mm of rain, and up to 100 mm for some areas. Showers are expected to continue into the evening, with a risk of thundershowers.
The storm brought lightning that knocked out power for about 10,000 customers, according to Nova Scotia Power.
Subdivisions in Eastern Passage were briefly turned into marshland, with people unable to leave their driveways. Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency closed Main Road to traffic due to severe flooding.
Emergency crews responded to several reports of flooded basements in Cole Harbour and Dartmouth.
A sinkhole reportedly began forming near the intersection of Highway 7 and Portland Street. Emergency crews closed off the area of road around the forming hole.
Access to the Bedford Highway was restricted from Bayview Road to Flamingo Drive, effectively cutting off access to Mount Saint Vincent University. Halifax Regional Police say the flooding was too heavy for traffic to pass through. It was reopened a little after 1 p.m.
A large section of road on Pleasant Street near the Dartmouth General Hospital was also rendered impassable and closed off.
Natal Day celebrations were also affected. Fireworks initially scheduled for Saturday night were postponed to Sunday. Additionally, a Charlie A’Court concert was cancelled with heavy rains in the evening forecast.
The Halifax Busker Festival cancelled its noon performances due to the poor weather.
As the storm moved north into the afternoon, parts of Truro experienced brief flash flooding. Exit 14A on Highway 102 quickly flooded, bringing traffic to a halt and causing delays of up to an hour for drivers.
