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Flooding and high winds cause chaos for Metro Vancouver travel

Careful driving home!
wind-warning
Wherever Vancouver drivers head tonight, they'll likely have to deal with the impact of today's storm. Photo: Strong wind / Getty Images

Ferry delays, flooded roads and vehicles mired in water and leaves are some of the most common issues for travellers today, Nov. 15.

With torrential rains followed by high winds, many have found getting around the city, or out of it, much more difficult than usual.

Anyone looking to leave Vancouver today will find it difficult if they're going by land or sea. Highways 1, 3, 5 and 99 are all blocked or damaged due to the floodwaters and mudslides following days of epic rainfall. That means Vancouver is essentially cut off from the rest of Canada for those who rely on roads.

Ferry sailings between the Island and Mainland are also facing issues, though they are still going. Sailings between Tsawwassen and Swatrz Bay are delayed by two hours, while sailings between Tsawwassen and Duke Point are cancelled for the day. Delays of nearly an hour are hitting the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay route.

On the upside, while wet, Vancouver International Airport hasn't reported any locally related delays to operations.

Metro Vancouver highways are also being affected by flooding, with high water causing issues and closures throughout the region. Of particular note is Highway 99 through Richmond and Highway 7 basically anywhere west of Pitt Meadows.

Flooding has also hit the main Musqueam reserve, meaning may in the reserve bordering south Vancouver are fighting to keep their homes dry.

UBC has also had issues and closed Chancellor Boulevard at Hamber Road to eastbound traffic due to the water.

Flooding has also been reported at many other places in the city, including William Street and Clark Drive, West 16 and Courtenay streets, on Thurlow Street near See-em-ia Lane and Cornwall Avenue and Yew Street.

The high winds have also brought down trees throughout the city, but traffic delays appear to have been relatively short as crews clean up the messes.