Intense rain and hail that pounded B.C.'s South Coast over the weekend flooded White Rock's waterfront and at least one Johnston Road business Saturday (June 15).
The intersection of Marine Drive and Oxford Street was partially under water by 8:30 a.m., rising several inches in some areas.
Director of engineering Jim Gordon said City of White Rock said crews were dispatched after the deluge triggered a high-level alarm from the drainage pump station at the foot of Oxford. A temporary closure of Marine Drive — between Oxford and Anderson streets — and nearby parking lots was put in place while the issue was tackled.
Gordon said White Rock firefighters assisted with the road closures, as well as communication with TransLink to temporarily reroute buses.
"Things returned to normal within a few hours," he said.
Video posted to social media showed water gushing from waterfront storm drains, as well as flowing through the alley that runs between the White Rock RCMP's Pacific Avenue detachment and city hall.
Meanwhile, The Salvation Army Thrift Store, at 1371 Johnston Rd., lost two days of business — Saturday and Monday — due to water damage caused by flooding.
"The sudden downpour on Saturday overwhelmed the city's stormwater system in the alley behind the property, causing water to flow into the store through the back door," a statement emailed by the organization's national communications and engagement specialist, Clara Pina, explains.
"Fortunately, the water level was limited to approximately 3 cm, and no merchandise was affected. We are currently assessing the damages to determine the full extent."
The store reopened Tuesday morning.
- with files from Anna Burns
