How to Prepare for the Atmospheric River: What You Need to Know, Especially for Voting Day

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As we head into the weekend, Metro Vancouver is bracing for the season's first significant atmospheric river, with rainfall amounts of up to 100 mm expected in some areas. While we’ve seen atmospheric rivers before, the potential for power outages and flooding could impact key services—including voting places for upcoming elections.

Here’s how you can prepare yourself, your family, and your community, and what to expect regarding voting during this weather event.

What is an Atmospheric River?

An atmospheric river is a narrow band of concentrated moisture in the sky that brings heavy rain. They aren’t rare, with the Lower Mainland experiencing about 20-30 atmospheric rivers annually. While many are mild, some can cause serious issues like flooding and landslides, as we saw in November 2021. The good news: this time, snowpacks are lower, which reduces the risk of severe flooding, but we still need to be cautious.

How to Prepare for the Storm

With the potential for power outages and disruptions, here are a few things you can do now to stay safe and ready:

1. Create an Emergency Kit: Ensure you have essentials like:

Flashlights and extra batteries

Bottled water

Non-perishable food

First-aid supplies

Backup power for phones (portable chargers)

2. Stay Updated: Follow local weather alerts and warnings through:

Environment Canada

Radio broadcasts or weather apps

Social media pages of local municipalities

3. Prepare Your Home:

Clear drains and gutters to minimize flooding risk.

Bring in outdoor furniture or loose items to avoid wind damage.

Charge your devices before the storm hits.

Voting During the Atmospheric River: What to Expect

If you're planning to vote during this weather event, here are important things to consider:

1. Possible Power Outages:

Some voting places may experience power outages. Many locations are equipped with backup generators, but there could still be delays or temporary closures.

In the event of an outage, paper ballots will likely be used as a backup to electronic sy histems. Rest assured, your vote will still count!

2. Relocated Voting Places:

If a voting station becomes unusable due to flooding or outages, the polling site may be relocated.

Check your local elections website or hotlines for real-time updates on polling stations, especially before you head out.

3. Transport and Accessibility:

Heavy rain could impact roads and public transportation, making it difficult to reach your polling station. If possible, vote early or consider a mail-in ballot to avoid last-minute complications.

4. What You Can Do:

If you live in an area prone to flooding, plan ahead and identify alternative routes to your polling place.

Spread the word in your community about potential changes to voting locations so no one is left unprepared.

Stay Safe and Plan Ahead

This atmospheric river may not be as destructive as the storms of 2021, but it’s essential to stay informed and be prepared for possible disruptions. Voting is a critical right, and you should be able to exercise it safely, even during a weather event. With backup plans in place, the voting process will remain accessible to everyone.

Let’s all take the necessary steps to prepare ourselves, help those around us, and ensure our voices are heard despite the storm.

Stay safe, and if you have any questions or updates to share, feel free to leave a comment below or contact your local voting officials for more information.

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Remember to vote—and stay dry!