Impending storm has transportation officials wary

Transportation officials on P.E.I. are double checking catch basins and culverts in advance of a major rainstorm expected to hit the Island overnight.

Director of highway maintenance Darren Chaisson said the province is doing what it can to be ready.

“We have staff out there just making sure our catch basins are open and culverts are open,” said Chaisson.

“Luckily there is not a whole lot of snow on the ground so it makes it a lot easier.”

Showers are forecast to start Tuesday evening with periods of rain beginning after midnight. CBC Weather Centre is predicting heavy rains will continue into the day with up to 100 mm falling in the western parts of the province, 40 to 60 mm in Queens County, and 20 to 40 mm in Kings County. The rain will be accompanied by 50 km/h winds gusting to 70 in the afternoon.

Chaisson says the ground won't be able to absorb as much rain as it would in warmer months, which could make flooding worse.

He is urging motorists to use caution when driving Wednesday and to report any problems they might see to transportation dispatch offices.