There was a new rainfall record for Oct. 19 in Pitt Meadows, as the area saw 117.6 mm of rain on Saturday.
That washed away the old record of 65.3 mm for the day, set in 1956. There are records for the area dating back to 1874.
The atmospheric river that barraged the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island with weekend rains saw new precipitation records set in many areas. The storm also caused flooding and power outages across the region.
Through the weekend, the Silver Valley area of Maple Ridge was hard hit, and received a combined 164 mm of rainfall. Roads were closed across Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, with some of the worst flooding at 224th Street, near 132 and 136 Avenues.
Julie MacMillan lives on 224th between 132 and 136 Streets – an area that has been prone to flooding and road closures.
"I've been here 30 years, and this is the worst by miles," she said. "My house is like an island right now."
She said the water was almost a metre deep in spots on 224th Street.
Ross Davies of the The Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership (KEEPS) posted photos of flooding at the fish fence off 240th. The entire park, which is used for educational programming about spawning salmon, was under water.
"It was in the top five of high water events that we've ever seen," said Davies. "It was big water on Saturday."
He said the water had receded leaving a damaged split-rail fence – likely hit by a log caught in the fast-flowing river, and a lot of muddy river silt.
Because of the treacherous footing on walkways, and water that is still high, Davies advised the public to avoid the area.
Chum salmon are in the early stages of their spawning, and Davies said the fish could be found in calmer areas, waiting out the storm water.
Davies lives along the Alouette River, and said it was high, but the water level is controlled by the BC Hydro Dam at Alouette Lake. However, he said the tributaries that flow into the Alouette River were as high as they've ever been, in his estimation.
The City of Maple Ridge noted all roads are now open.
Residents are advised to continue to:
• Stay clear of fast-flowing rivers, creeks, and unstable banks.
• Use caution in forested areas and watch for fallen trees or branches.
• Help keep catch basins near your property clear of leaves and debris.
The City of Pitt Meadows noted rainfall is expected to ease Monday, but a flood watch remains in place by the BC River Forecast Centre. Previously closed Hammond Road, Albertan Street, and Airport Way near Southgate Road are re-opened, as flooding has subsided. A trail assessment has taken place, and all trails are open and accessible.
The worst-hit area was Coquitlam, which got 256 mm of rain through the event, bringing floods and mudslides. A house was swept away, and the occupant, a 57-year-old woman, was found dead.
