Roads and highway in Surrey are being hit hard due to flooding as the Lower Mainland is pelted by an atmospheric river on Saturday (Oct. 19).

The Surrey RCMP responded to a call about a flooded road in the 7600 block of 152 Street at around 8 a.m.

"Several vehicles attempted to drive through the water but became disabled.  Water at the location is approximately waist high," reads a Surrey RCMP news release Saturday (Sept. 19).

Police received another report at 8:10 a.m. about water pooling on King George Blvd as southbound traffic leaves the Pattullo Bridge near 128 Street. Traffic restrictions are in place southbound, with only one lane getting through.

Police are asking motorists to avoid both areas.

Problems have also been reported on Highway 1 westbound, between 176 Street and 160 Street. Drive BC notes the traffic lanes are blocked due to flooding and only the HOV lane is open. Traffic is being routed into the HOV lane, but drivers should expect delays through the area and use caution.

On Highway 99, the northbound left lane is now blocked by flooding north of King George Boulevard, Drive BC reports. Drivers are asked to use caution while passing.

The page about the current road closures in Surrey:

Surrey is in the middle of its first atmospheric river of the season.

Environment Canada says the weather system will bring prolonged heavy rain to Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler and Vancouver Island starting Friday.

The agency says strong winds with gusts up to 80 kilometres an hour will also develop on Saturday — the day thousands are expected to go to the polls across B.C. — in parts of Vancouver Island and Metro Vancouver.

-With files from the Canadian Press