Flood alert issued for Courtenay

Some localized flooding has already occurred Thursday, but nothing major, Mayor Greg Phelps says.

"We've sent out notices to all of the affected businesses and residents in the area, which we know has the potential of flooding," Phelps said. "Our philosophy right now is forewarned is forearmed.

"We're also making sandbags available to businesses who have been impacted in previous floods."

City officialssay heavy precipitation, rising freezing levelsand subsequent snow melt over the next few days could combine with high tides and winds to flood areas near the Courtenay River, Tsolum River and Puntledge River.

Businesses and residents should anticipate flooding and be prepared toleave anytime until at least Dec. 28, officials warn.

Should flooding occur, the city mayhave to close area roads at the following intersections, at a minimum:

• Old Island Highway at Comox Road (at Lewis Park).
• Ryan Road at Highway 19A .
• Old Island Highway and Highway 19A at Headquarters Road.
• Highway 19A at17th Street northbound.

Last winter, heavy rain flooded areas of Courtenay at least three times.

Stormdisrupts ferries

High winds from the storm have already cancelled many ferry sailings on B.C.'s South Coast. Heavy snow in the mountains has also raised the avalanche risk to high for much of the South Coast.

B.C.'s River Forecast Centre issued a "high stream flow advisory" for central and south Vancouver Island and Howe Sounds on Thursday morning.