A new wave of heavy rain is impacting British Columbia’s South Coast, complicating ongoing flood recovery efforts. The region has been dealing with severe flooding and damaging winds over the past week.
Current Flooding Situation
Approximately 100 properties in B.C. are under evacuation orders, including 36 in Abbotsford. A further 1,200 properties are on evacuation alert. Nearly 5,800 customers are without power due to the effects of the storms.
Tragic Incident and Damage Reports
- A woman in Chilliwack lost her life after a falling tree struck her during high winds.
- Highway 3, connecting Hope to Manning Park, is currently closed due to landslides.
- The Sumas border remains open for passenger traffic; however, commercial vehicles are restricted.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for several regions, including Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, predicting up to 70 millimeters of rain through Wednesday morning.
- Additional flood warnings are active for Vancouver Island, parts of the South Coast, and the Sea-to-Sky corridor.
- Rainfall totals include 190 millimeters in Squamish and 163 millimeters in Zeballos.
Cleanup and Emergency Responses
Cleanup efforts began in the Fraser Valley as floodwaters recede. Nevertheless, threats persist for several rivers in B.C.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre has placed flood warnings for the Chilliwack and Sumas Rivers. Conditions on the Seymour River showed rapid water level increases, historically significant and requiring close monitoring.
Government Responses and Future Preparedness
Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene has urged residents to avoid riverbanks as water levels remain dangerously high. Federal Minister of Transport Steve MacKinnon highlighted the necessity for enhanced resiliency in transportation systems following the storms that impacted supply chains.
Power Restoration Efforts
B.C. Hydro stated that restoration efforts are underway to bring back power to those affected. At the peak, over 90,000 customers faced outages, particularly in Squamish, Duncan, and Hope.
Weather Trends and Records
Recent weather patterns have shown unseasonably high temperatures, with numerous communities setting daily records. Kamloops reached 18.6°C, surpassing a 1962 record. However, temperatures are expected to plummet, with overnight lows below zero anticipated by the weekend.
