A “wet trend” is expected to continue this weekend in the Fraser Valley as flooding continues to impact the region.
After floodwater breached Highway 1 on Thursday night (Dec. 11), the highway remains closed this morning between No. 3 Road and Sumas Way in Abbotsford.
Sgt. Paul Walker with the Abbotsford Police Department said in a video that water remains pooled, impacting traffic. He added that side roads through the Sumas Prairie won’t give drivers access to Abbotsford.
According to Abbotsford Police, the on ramp at Whatcom Road is currently closed, as is South Parallel Road. Whatcom Road is currently closed in both directions between Old Yale Road and South Parallel Road.
Police also said overnight that Old Yale Road is closed in both directions between Delair Road and Whatcom Road.
Schools in Abbotsford and Chilliwack are closed on Friday (Dec. 12) as well. Fraser-Cascade schools are back open on Friday.
Meanwhile, Highway 1 eastbound between Highway 9 and Hope is back open with traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction.
Drive BC said Highway 3 remains closed between Hope and Princeton with an update coming at 9 a.m.
Environment Canada released a special weather statement for the Fraser Valley on Friday that said the wet trend is expected to continue this weekend and into next week in flood prone areas.
“More rainfall is in store over the upcoming days for the already saturated Fraser Valley. A relatively weak frontal system is pushing into the Lower Mainland and will bring light rain today. Although the precipitation is expected to intensify this evening, rainfall totals are predicted to be relatively light,” Environment Canada said.
Between 10 and 20 mm of rain or expected for most of the Fraser Valley with between 20 and 40 mm possible near Hope.
“Minimal precipitation is expected during the day on Saturday. However, another system will move into the area Saturday night, followed by a potentially significant push of moisture Monday and into early next week. Rainfall amounts are currently uncertain but warnings will be issued as necessary in the upcoming days,” the statement reads.