Weather Impact Update Cape Breton, Dec. 15

Following is an update as of 3 p.m. today, Dec. 15, on the impact of the rain and wind storm which hit Cape Breton on Dec. 14:

• Environment Canada forecast is predicting another 20 to 30 mm of rain for Cape Breton by 8 p.m. today. The area from Indian Brook to Ingonish Beach will receive the most rain. As of 1 p.m., Ingonish Beach received 121 mm of rain, Cheticamp received 102.4 mm, North Mountain received 99.7 mm, and Sydney received 138 mm.
• Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal crews are on site and are closely monitoring road and bridge conditions. Road conditions remain dangerous because of flooding and are not passable in some areas. People are asked to stay off roads along the Cabot Trail so crews can work.
• The Corson Bridge is open to local and emergency traffic only. The bridge could close without notice.
• In Dingwall, the road is still flooded, but is passable by emergency vehicles. The Cape North Fire Department is working to make contact with residents. An older access road is passable by ATVs and four-wheel drive vehicles.
• Bell Aliant is reporting that the phone outage is isolated to Bay St. Lawrence and Dingwall. Residents can make calls within their communities but not outside of them. Cellular coverage has not been affected. Local residents are asked to go to the Bay St. Lawrence fire station if emergency help is needed.
• Emergency Health Services report that central and northern ambulance regions are operating as usual. Western ambulance region have a slight increase in emergency calls due to storm-related medical assistance. The Cape Breton ambulance region has added an additional ambulance in the Cheticamp area. Local Emergency Health Services, emergency managers and road crews are monitoring the situation and will put necessary plans in place to ensure the safety of residents and access to emergency care.