The recent severe weather in British Columbia has prompted significant changes to flood monitoring and evacuation statuses across the region. As the atmospheric river that affected the South Coast subsided, flood watches were downgraded, and evacuation alerts were lifted in specific areas.
B.C. Flood Watches Lowered Following Storm
On January 13, 2025, the B.C. River Forecast Centre announced the reduction of flood watches in the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island. David Campbell, the Centre’s head, indicated that high streamflow advisories have replaced the flood watches, marking a shift as they do not expect streamflows to worsen.
Record Rainfall and Regional Impacts
Over the weekend leading up to January 13, heavy rains broke daily records in the Fraser Valley. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) reported significant rainfall amounts, including:
- Abbotsford: 75 millimeters
- Chilliwack: 108 millimeters
- Mission: 103 millimeters
- Agassiz: 121 millimeters
Bobby Sekhon, a meteorologist with ECCC, noted a transition from days of heavy rain to a spell of drier weather ahead. Slight drizzle may still occur occasionally, but the significant downpour has subsided.
Evacuation Alerts Rescinded
Additionally, evacuation alerts affecting 205 properties near the Chilliwack River were lifted. Residents, including Steph Murray, expressed relief, noting that while water levels had risen, they were not yet alarming.
Continued Concerns Despite Drier Conditions
Even with the improved weather conditions, high streamflow advisories remain in effect throughout the region. Observers noted that the Chilliwack River’s currents were strong and the water’s color had changed from the usual clear blue to a murky brown.
Vancouver Island Affected by Heavy Rainfall
Vancouver Island faced substantial rainfall, with Kennedy Lake Forestry Station reporting 340 millimeters, and at least 20 weather stations recording over 100 millimeters. Regions such as Nanaimo and Parksville had evacuation orders issued but were later rescinded.
Nick Rivers, president of Arrowsmith Search and Rescue, detailed the impact on the Englishman River, where water levels surged 15 feet above normal. Flooding affected homes and vehicles, leading to necessary evacuations in some areas.
Contributing Factors to Flooding
Residents reported extensive damage, with several properties experiencing water inundation. The warmer temperatures also contributed to melting mountain snowpack, further raising river levels.
As the region recovers from these weather events, residents and officials remain alert to potential flooding risks while taking advantage of the drier weather ahead.
