Heavy rainfall on Friday has led to road closures in parts of Newfoundland’s east coast, affecting drivers.

According to the Newfoundland and Labrador government website, Route 204 – also known as the Southwest Arm Road – from Harbor Drive to Cabot Road South is closed due to flooding/culvert flushing.

Drivers are advised to use alternative routes.

On Friday evening, the RCMP issued a notice that heavy rains caused a river level to rise six inches above Route 210 near North Harbour.

“Emergency vehicles on scene and asking motorists to proceed with caution and only travel if necessary at this time,” it said.

Precipitation is decreasing

Tiffany Cheeks, a meteorologist with the Gander weather office, said periods of rain and drizzle will continue across most of Newfoundland on Saturday, but it is expected to taper off and become cloudy.

“Tonight should be better than yesterday,” Cheeks told CBC News.

“The rain should ease off for the island. And then just cloud tonight for anyone going out.”

“We’re expecting another two to four millimeters for most areas — the exception being the west and south-west coasts of the island. They’re just mainly cloudy to start the day this morning, although there’s a chance of showers on the west coast all day today.”

However, she said Saturday is expected to be windy.

“We expect some north to northwest gusts, especially on the northeast coast, generally with gusts to 50 (kilometers per hour), but some areas in the northeast can expect 70 (kilometers per hour) gusts.”

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