(Watch the clip to hear Drew Snider give an update on transit service from 7:15 a.m. — or just read below.)

As many of you might have heard by now, Environment Canada has issued a major rainfall warning for our region until mid-Thursday. Combined with the huge amount of melting snow lying around, that could mean major flooding in Metro Vancouver. (Here’s an article from The Province on the matter, too.)

For us, the anticipated flooding may well cause transit problems thoughout the Lower Mainland today.

As of 7:15 a.m., there are a couple of bus routes already detouring in Surrey:
– #320 turns off Fraser Highway onto 176, then onto 58th Ave (and the reverse in the other direction)
– #395 detours via 64th Ave., 176 and Fraser Hwy.

In North Vancouver, #230 is still turning around at Rockland & Prospect; the #210 is turning around at Dempsey & Underwood: both due to road conditions.

In West Vancouver, the #254 British Properties is still on partial snow route, leaving out St Andrew’s and Bonnymuir. Update at 11:10 a.m.: It’s now back on regular route.

HandyDART is running full service throughout the region, but is encountering some road closures due to high standing water.

Everyone on the system should expect larger than normal passenger volumes, as a lot of private vehicles are still snowed in on side streets. Please dress for the elements and expect the occasional heavy load passup. And a big thank you all for your patience and understanding during this trying time of weather-related woes!

I’ll keep you updated on the Buzzer blog if anything changes. You can also see the latest updates at our Customer Alerts page or our Youtube info stream.

P.S. Feel free to send along any photos of the heavy rainfall as the day continues. I’ll post them up on the blog along with later updates.