Heavy Rain Hits South Island, Crews Respond to Flooding Crisis

Heavy rainfall struck South Island on the night of December 17, 2025, prompting extensive emergency responses from local Public Works departments. The downpour, measured at approximately 32.9 millimetres in Victoria, exceeded the previous record set just a week earlier. This surge in rainfall led to widespread flooding, road closures, and numerous service calls from residents in need of assistance.

The City of Victoria’s crews remained active throughout the night, addressing over 50 after-hours calls, according to city spokesperson Colleen Mycroft. The emergencies varied widely, encompassing flooding issues, downed trees, and main breaks. In a move to ensure public safety, the city closed the Banfield Park playground due to significant water accumulation. Mycroft noted, “Vic West skate park bowls have a lot of water in them and crews are working to pump water out of both bowls.”

Meanwhile, the District of Saanich reported that heavy rain kept their Public Works crews fully engaged in managing road safety and aiding residents affected by flooding. Between 19:00 and midnight, officials received 81 service calls related to the weather conditions. The district’s response involved deploying five crews to clear drains and set up sandbags, while two sewer lift crews implemented necessary bypass pumping to prevent sewage overflows.

Several key intersections experienced road closures due to natural drainage overflow, including Haultain at Bowker Creek and Blenkinsop at Big Barn Creek. “Fast action from Saanich crews prevented further environmental impacts and minimized risks to public safety,” remarked a district representative.

As crews continued to address service requests and assess system damage, weather forecasts indicated more rain was likely on the horizon. The District of Saanich advised residents to prepare by ensuring their drainage systems were clear of debris, including leaves in eavestroughs and catch basins.

Residents experiencing flooding on the roads are encouraged to notify Saanich crews by calling 250-475-5599 or submitting a report online at saanich.ca/report. The forecast predicts rain for the next five days in Victoria, with a 40 percent chance of showers expected on Thursday morning, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. They also warned of southwest winds potentially reaching up to 80 km/h by late afternoon.

The series of storms has taken a toll on the region, highlighting the need for ongoing preparedness as climate patterns continue to evolve. Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their properties from potential flooding.