An extreme weather alert activation has been issued for Langley in response to a forecast of heavy rain, with the Gateway of Hope homeless shelter operated by the Salvation Army opening up 15 additional mats for homeless people.
Cristina Schneiter, community representative for Langley Extreme Weather Response for Gateway of Hope, said the action was being taken “due to atmospheric river warnings, flood watch and ground saturation.”
Environment Canada predicts a series of atmospheric rivers will be rolling over the area through Wednesday, with the strongest atmospheric river to arrive on Monday.
Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan says it will be very wet, but the storms won’t be as bad as the record-breaking floods of November 2021 that washed away bridges, swamped farmland and spurred landslides that killed five people.
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“If you are sleeping outside, please come to the safety of the shelter,” the notice said.
Gateway’s overnight shelter opens at 7 p.m. where people can stay until 10 a.m.
Those needing assistance to a shelter are asked to call the RCMP at 604-532-3200.
Gateway of Hope is located at 5787 Langley Bypass.
Gateway is wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly for pets on a leash. Dinner, breakfast, and lunch and are provided. Laundry service and showers are available.
Salvation Army Gateway of Hope can be reached at 604-514-7375.
For more information about shelter availability, please call BC211: 211 or 604-875-6381.