The Fraser Valley is on flood watch as an atmospheric river continues to bring heavy rain to the region.
A yellow rainfall warning from Environment Canada remains in place on Monday (Jan. 12) with between 75 and 100 mm of rain expected through the evening.
“The heavy rain will gradually ease tonight as the atmospheric river shifts north and weakens,” the warning reads. “Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. Visibility will likely be suddenly reduced at times. Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas such as steep slopes, deforested areas or recent burn scars.”
The rainfall also led to the flood watch advisory from the BC River Forecast Centre, as well as an evacuation alert for lands near the Chilliwack River from the Fraser Valley Regional District.
According to the River Forecast Centre, the flood watch is in place for the Lower Fraser, including areas around the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver.
“A flood watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur,” the advisory reads.
Meanwhile, the FVRD issued the evacuation alert for Area E residents between the City of Chilliwack boundary and Allison Pool/Big Bend, between Allison Pool and Chilliwack Lake, lands south of Chilliwack Lake and O’Byrne Road and lands adjacent/near the Chilliwack River or within the Chilliwack River floodplain, including the Paulsen Road subdivision.
The regional district asked residents of Area E to locate family members and choose a meeting place outside the evacuation alert area in the case of an evacuation order.
The FVRD also instructed impacted residents to pack essential items, make plans for those needing help, arrange transportation and plan where to stay.