Crews from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure have mobilized to closed roads on the west coast damaged by heavy rain overnight.
The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable John Hogan, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, and MHA for Burgeo-La Poile, will hold a media availability today (Wednesday, November 24) at 2:00 p.m.
The availability will be live-streamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook and Twitter accounts and on YouTube.
All media covering the availability will join by teleconference only. To participate, please RSVP to Jillian Hood (jillianhood@gov.nl.ca) who will provide the dial-in details and the required information.
Media planning to participate must join the teleconference at 1:45 p.m. (NST) to be included on the call. For sound quality purposes, media calling in are asked to use a land line if at all possible.
Members of the general public are advised to avoid the damaged areas and prevent putting themselves and first responders at risk.
Environment Canada is forecasting another 100 mm of rain today (September 24) in addition to what has already fallen. Rainfall amounts may reach 200 mm in higher elevations by midnight tonight. Strong winds continue with gusts to 100 km/hr in the Wreckhouse area.
Current road closures include:
- The Trans-Canada Highway, 10 kilometres north of the Doyles intersection is impassable;
- The Trans-Canada Highway, 16 kilometres southwest of the Doyles intersection is closed until an assessment can be completed;
- Andrews Road;
- Doyles Station Road; and
- Ranger Road.
Additional lane closures include:
- Lock Lomond Road, and
- Upper Ferry Road.
Crews continue to monitor conditions and infrastructure and are responding as quickly as possible. Water levels remain high in the region.
First responders and members of the public wishing to report urgent highway conditions, or motorists looking for recent road condition information can contact the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure:
- Avalon: 709-729-7669
- Eastern: 709-466-4160
- Central: 709-292-4444
- Western: 709-635-4144
- Labrador: 709-896-7888
Updates on highway driving conditions are being provided on the NL 511 app and www.nl511.ca. Motorists are encouraged to check highway conditions before travelling.
Remember to never cross floodwaters on foot or in a vehicle as the water may be deeper than it looks. Residents should always have a basic emergency kit available and be prepared for at least 72 hours, with food, water, batteries, a portable radio, and prescription medications. Visit Be Prepared for more information on emergency preparedness. Please only travel if absolutely necessary.
We continue to encourage residents to monitor the forecast for the most up-to-date information. Regional forecast information is updated regularly by Environment Canada.
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Media contacts
Kathryn Summers
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca
Emily-Jane Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5524, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca