Caution Advised in Victoria, Inverness Counties, Along Cabot Trail

The Emergency Management Office and local emergency managers are advising Cape Breton residents that some roads along the Cabot Trail are closed today, Dec. 15, and motorists should exercise caution. Heavy rain has caused water levels to rise and water is covering roadways in some areas.

"Emergency managers, emergency health services and road crews are closely monitoring the situation," said Ramona Jennex, Minister for Emergency Management. "Please stay off roads along the Cabot Trail if at all possible today as we work to resolve the situation as quickly as possible."

At Ingonish Harbour, six residents are isolated because of localized flooding on the Barren Road. Local emergency managers and emergency health services are prepared to access the area by ATV if needed.

Corson Bridge on Trunk 30 in Ingonish Ferry is closed due to flooding as a precautionary measure. Crews are waiting for the water to recede before inspecting the bridge. Residents have access to emergency medical care at Buchanan Memorial Hospital in Neils Harbour.

Aliant reports that there is no phone service in Bay St. Lawrence-Dingwall area. Residents with road access are asked to report to the Bay St. Lawrence Fire Station if emergency help is needed. Emergency managers and first responders, including RCMP and emergency health services are working as quickly as possible to put emergency plans in place. Cellphone coverage in the area is being checked and plans to contact residents are being made.

There are several other road closures in the area, but alternate access is available. Motorists are advised to use caution and check road conditions and closures before travelling. Residents are also asked to stay clear of any fast moving or flooding waterways.

Rainfall amounts in Cape Breton range from 100 millimetres to 125 millimetres in Sydney. An additional 20 to 40 millimetres of rain is expected by 8 p.m.

In the event of a flood:

• Listen to the radio. Local authorities will issue instructions for those living in the affected areas.
• Know how to turn off water, gas and electricity in case instructed to by local officials. If the main power box is not in a dry, safe area, do not try to turn off the electricity. Contact Nova Scotia Power at 902-428-6004 or 1-877-428-6004 for instructions.
• Do not use well water for drinking, cooking or bathing until the water has been tested and it has been declared safe to use. Bacterial testing should be done by all well owners. Contact local environment offices at 1-877-936-8476 with questions about safe drinking water.

Residents are reminded to call 911 if emergency assistance is needed or 811 for non-emergency health concerns. For road condition information call 511.