Flooding closes roads as nor’easter pounds P.E.I.

A powerful nor’easter continues to lash Prince Edward Island, causing several transportation issues, including flooding and several road closures throughout the province.

Oyster Bed Bridge resident Sally Gautier said flooding forced her sister out of her home.

"They're getting water in the basement like crazy. It's right up almost to the drive. Anymore, it will be in two houses," she said.

At 8:20 p.m. Wednesday, restrictions on the Confederation Bridge were implemented. Motorcycles and vehicles towing trailers are not allowed to use the bridge. The restriction also applies to high-sided vehicles such as trucks, tractor trailers, recreational vehicles and buses.

Transportation and public works officials say with winds expected to pick up through the evening, the situation will get worse.

Earlier on Wednesday, Northumberland Ferries cancelled all crossings to and from the Island.

RCMP say there is flooding on Route 117 in Wellington. There is close to one foot of water on the road and there is also floating debris.

Route 2 just outside of Tignish in the hollow is closed. As well, most of the side roads in the Tignish area are closed due to heavy flooding.

RCMP is cautioning people to avoid Route 1 in Crapaud near the Pharmasave due to heavy flooding. It is also telling people to avoid the Arsenault Bridge on Mill Road in St. Felix.

On Route 2 in Inverness/Portage, there's about three feet of water on the road between MacNeill's Mills and Conway roads.

Route 2 in Richmond is closed to traffic. Traffic will be diverted to the Sunnyside Road crossing over to Route 127, which comes out back on Route 2 past Richmond.

In York, the Hardy Mill Road and the Union Road are closed, as well as part of the Cornwall Road.

RCMP say the bridge on Route 167 in Arlington near the intersection of Route 167 and Route 131 is flooded, showing signs of wear. Much of the stonework underneath the bridge appears to be collapsing.​

RCMP also say Route 15 is currently flooded in areas by an overflowing pond near the road. This is north of the Route 220 intersection in Brackley.

Over 60 roads have been reported flooded in Prince County.

In western parts of the province, flooding has been an issue.

Barry Balsom, owner of Arlington Orchards has been dealing with it near Tyne Valley.

“This is a major rainfall so we have a flood of epic proportions,” he said. “We've actually seen the Tyne Valley Road is just about shut down. The water's up to the yellow line. Our packing and cider facilities are up on the hillside but there's a laneway going into that. So that's pretty much under water now. A lot of water, heavy flowing water.”

The director of highway maintenance for the province, Darren Chaisson, says they are monitoring rising water levels.

“Well, up west we've been monitoring all day, the water levels have been rising, we've got eight or nine roads up there that we've shut down, we have barricaded this afternoon so, and we expect that to continue on through the night,” he said.

The following roads are closed and could stay closed through the night.

• Argyle Road and Albion Road in Alberton
• Harper Road in Tignish
• Jerry Road in Bloomfield
• Old Palmer Road in St Louis
• Richards Road in Springhill
• Centerline Road in Alma
• Allen Road in Arlington.

RCMP has asked drivers to slow down as water pools on the roads. At least two accidents have been reported so far in Bloomfield.