Update: This story was updated at 7:25 p.m. Sunday with new highway closure information.
Even as flood waters recede on the Sumas Prairie, residents and drivers in the Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon are being warned to expect more impacts from a new weather system moving in overnight Sunday (Dec. 14).
Flood warnings are in place for the Sumas and Chilliwack Rivers as a new weather system bringing heavy rain and winds is anticipated to move over B.C.’s South Coast Sunday night and into Monday. The heaviest impacts are expected on Monday morning, Dec. 15.
The latest weather system, coming hot on the heels of the atmospheric river that saw significant flooding across the region, has the B.C. Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness on high alert.
Minister of Emergency Management Kelly Greene, speaking at a provincial briefing on Sunday afternoon, warned that residents and drivers need to brace themselves for the next round of stormy weather and heavy rain.
Greene said about 325 properties remain under evacuation order, with another 1,000 under alert.
“We aren’t through this yet, and it’s important to be prepared,” she said.
The ministry reopened Highway 1 in both directions as of Sunday, but Green warned that could change heading into Monday’s commute.
“While road conditions are currently improving, they may change quickly due to flooding,” she said. “If you don’t need to travel in the affected areas, we’re asking people to avoid it wherever possible.”
Connie Chapman, executive director of the water management with the B.C. government’s Water Management Branch, said the incoming storm will hit different areas of the Lower Mainland than last week’s storm, but the situation remains unpredictable as weather systems can stall or change unexpectedly.
Heavy rains, in combination with an increase in the freezing level that means more snow melt, could see high volumes of water in local rivers.
Chapman said the Sumas Prairie remains vulnerable and it’s not yet clear how the current water flow will interact with the new rainfall.
FLOOD WARNINGS, WATCHES THROUGHOUT B.C.
A flood warning remains for the Sumas River, and a new flood warning has also been issued for the Chilliwack River and its tributaries. Though Chapman said there currently seems to be a low likelihood of the Nooksack River overtopping its banks, she said it’s a possibility that can’t be dismissed.
Elsewhere in the province, flood watch advisories have been issued for the Lower Fraser tributaries, Kingcome River and Englishman River.
High streamflow advisories are now in place for Haida Gwaii, the North Coast, Central Coast, South Coast and Vancouver Island.
Greene said the government makes every effort to keep highways open wherever possible but said drivers should be prepared for the situation to change quickly.
KEEP AN EYE ON THESE HIGHWAYS
As of 7 p.m. Sunday, the Ministry of Transportation has announced two precautionary overnight closures of main routes between the Lower Mainland and the Interior, in response to the potential for rockfall and debris slides along both routes.
• Highway 1 – Fraser Canyon: Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon will be closed between the Hope Junction and Lytton from 10 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14 to the morning of Monday, Dec. 15.
• Highway 99: Highway 99 will be closed east of Pemberton, between Mt. Currie and Lillooet, as a precaution from 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14 until the morning of Monday, Dec. 15.
“There are known slide areas along both highways, as well as slopes damaged by recent wildfires,” says a ministry advisory. “These proactive closures are due to the risk of rockfall, debris flows and washouts as a result of heavy rain and snowpack melt.”
Both highways will be assessed in the morning.
Other areas being monitored:
• Highway 1 through Abbotsford/Sumas Prairie: Janelle Staite with the B.C. Ministry of Transportation said the government continues to monitor the situation on the Highway through Sumas Prairie. Water is currently receding, and the government is keeping an eye on when it will become safe to open both eastbound lanes.
• Highway 1 – Bridal Falls: A temporary lock-block wall has been built along Highway in the Bridal Falls area, where water jumped out of a channel where it is supposed to be and where more debris is anticipated to come down from the hillside.
• Highway 7: Increased patrols and monitoring to monitor the risk of rockfall and to respond to vehicle incidents as needed.
• Highway 3 – Hope-Princeton: Also under close observation is Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton, where damaged areas are more susceptible to further damage with the new storm. The highway remains closed east of Hope through Manning Park.
• Highway 5 – Coquihalla: Drivers should also expect the possibility of short-notice closures on Highway 5 (Coquihalla).
• Highway 4, Bamfield Road and Highway 14: These Vancouver Island roadways are being monitored for slope instability, particularly in wildfire-damaged sections. Vancouver Island drivers should also be aware of the possibility of high winds bringing a risk of falling trees on roads across Southern Vancouver Island.
The message to travellers: Delay travel if possible, and exercise caution if you are travelling in these areas. Ensure you have a full tank of gas/full charge, and that you are carrying supplies including food, water, flashlight and blanket.
HOW TO STAY SAFE: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RESOURCES IN B.C.
Residents and drivers should use the following resources to stay on top of the situation in their community:
• Connect with your local government or First Nation on their website or social media channels
• Watch emergencyinfobc.ca for evacuation orders and alerts, and information on what to do in each situation
• Follow @emergencyinfobc on X
• Before undertaking a trip by vehicle, make sure your vehicle is in good repair with a full tank of gas or charge. Check the road situation at drivebc.ca
• Be prepared for any eventuality. See preparedbc.ca for guides outlining how to prepare your household for emergencies.