B.C. flooding recap: Highways close in anticipation of more heavy rain

Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene shared this photo to social media after visiting areas in Abbotsford that were hard-hit by flooding. (Credit: X/KellyRichmondBC)

Evacuation alerts were lifted and orders were downgraded in Abbotsford, B.C., meaning some people were given the go-ahead to return home. However, the forecast says a system bringing heavy rain is expected to hit the province’s South Coast bringing with it the possibility of more flooding and landslides.

Here’s a recap of Sunday’s developments.

6:30 p.m. Another highway to close

Highway 1 between Hope and Lytton is also being proactively closed, starting at 10 p.m. due to heavy rain in the forecast. DriveBC says there’s a risk of rockfall, debris flows and washouts in the Fraser Canyon.

Officials indicated the highway will reopen sometime Monday.

5 p.m. Highway 99 to close, evacuation alert in Pemberton

Officials say they are “proactively” closing Highway 99 between Mount Currie and Lillooet at 8 p.m. in anticipation of storm impacts.

Properties on Airport Road in Pemberton have also been placed on evacuation alert due to flood risk. The village asked residents in the area to prepare their properties with sandbags.

The Pemberton area is among the regions in B.C. covered by a flood watch and rainfall warning as the latest atmospheric river approaches.

4:30 p.m. More people can return home

The City of Abbotsford downgraded evacuation orders for 248 more properties in the Sumas Prairie, and while people can now return home they are being told to be prepared to leave again given the heavy rain in the forecast Monday.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for 77 properties, while another 408 are on evacuation alert.

Up-to-date evacuation statuses can be found on the city’s interactive map.

“The Emergency Operations Centre remains active, and staff will continue closely monitoring river levels, dikes, and roads. We also continue to closely monitor upcoming weather conditions as more rain is predicted in the coming week. If subsequent evacuation is necessary, a new alert or order will be issued,” the city wrote in a statement.

3:45 p.m. Travel advisories issued as B.C. braces for more rain

An incoming “weather event” will bring significant rainfall to B.C.’s South Coast starting Sunday night, according to forecasters.

The exact amount of precipitation—and how it will impact areas already hard-hit by flooding—is unknown, but people are being warned that highways could close with little-to-no notice.

“More stormy weather and more rain are on the way, that means increased flood and landlslide risk,” Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene said at a news conference.

“We aren’t through this yet.”

The transportation ministry has issued advisories for the following routes:

• Highway 1 between Hope and Lytton
• Highway 5 Between Hope and Merritt
• Highway 99 between Mount Currie and Lillooet

“These highways are currently open, but may close with little or no notice in the event of debris flows, flooding, or washouts. Exercise caution, consider alternate routes or delay travel,” an update from DriveBC said.

3:20 p.m. Federal government ‘absent,’ B.C. minister says

B.C.’s emergency management minister said there has been a lack of action from the federal government when it comes to flood mitigation and disaster response in places like Abbotsford.

Kelly Greene said one of the key issues with the way the feds support impacted communities is that it is reactive, and not proactive.

“We can’t do it alone,” the minister said. “It’s incredibly difficult to have this kind of situation where the federal government really needs to step up, and them being absent.”

The minister was joined by other provincial officials Sunday afternoon to provide an update on preparation for an incoming atmospheric river that is expected to add to the challenges faced by those in areas prone to flooding and landslides.

2:45 p.m. Officials provide update

B.C.’s emergency management, agriculture and transportation ministers provided an update on flood risk and response, as another storm is set to hit the South Coast.

2:05 p.m. Highway 1 between Chilliwack and Hope reopened

A stretch of Highway 1 that was closed after a mudslide fully reopened Sunday afternoon.

The speed limit has been reduced to 50 km/h and no oversized loads are permitted.

1:30 p.m. Upgraded rainfall warning for parts of Fraser Valley

A rainfall warning for parts of the Fraser valley, including Abbotsford and Chilliwack, has been upgraded from yellow to orange.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, an orange warning means “severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts,” and that “impacts are major, widespread and/or may last a few days.”

Heavy rain is expected Sunday night, with the “heaviest” precipitation expected Monday.

“Localized flooding is likely. Some roads may become impassable,” the warning said.

“Travel delays and/or cancellations are likely. Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas such as steep slopes, deforested areas or recent burn scars. Don’t drive through flooded roadways.”

1 p.m. Flood warning for Chilliwack River

B.C.’s River Forecast Centre has issued a flood warning for the Chilliwack River, indicating the waterway has exceeded bankfull and flooding will result.

The warning was issued, in part, because the weather forecast includes another series of atmospheric rivers combined with warm temperatures.

“Active weather over the next seven to ten days is expected to create a prolonged period of heightened flood hazard across the B.C. Coast,” the warning said.

“Heavy rain on Sunday and Monday are expected to lead to high streamflow on Monday and into Tuesday. Increased hazard in areas impacted by last week’s storms can be expected. High flows are expected across the Fraser Valley, including the Chilliwack River and surrounding areas.”

A flood warning remains in effect for the Sumas River.

Flood watches, which means flooding “may occur” have been issued for tributaries of the lower Fraser River.

12:45 p.m. Drivers reminded to slow down, expect congestion on Highway 1 through Abbotsford

Highway 1 through Abbotsford has reopened to traffic in both directions—but a 70 km/h speed limit is in place.

Drive BC posted a notice saying the lower limit will be enforced, while warning drivers to expect congestion.

Motorists are also being reminded the Whatcom and Cole road exits remain closed.

12 p.m. ‘Today we are breathing a little easier,’ Abbotsford mayor says

Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens said he and many of his constituents are feeling relief Sunday, as floodwaters recede and some residents are allowed to return home.

Water is still flowing into Canada from the Nooksack River in Washington state but the amount is decreasing, Siemens said.

“I am grateful that we are starting to see some of our residents return home,” the mayor said.

Erick Peterson, Abbotsford’s fire chief and head of the emergency operations centre, said he anticipated more orders will be lifted later Sunday.

Damage assessments on properties previously ordered to evacuate have come back and “most” are safe to return to, Peterson continued.

11:30 a.m. Crews continuing highway clean up between Hope and Chilliwack

Provincial crews are continuing to work towards fully reopening a stretch of Highway 1 between Hope and Chilliwack, where heavy rain triggered a mudslide last week.

On Sunday, DriveBC shared photos of the work underway, including construction of a concrete barrier to shield the eastbound lane from further falling debris.

The highway is open but reduced to one lane in each direction for roughly 35 kilometres between Exit 135 and the Hudson Bay Street exit.

11 a.m. Highway 1 eastbound reopens, one lane only

Highway 1 eastbound through Abbotsford has partially reopened to eastbound traffic, according to the province.

A single lane is available between the No.3 Road and Highway 11 exits, and drivers are being warned to expect delays and to exercise caution.

“The highway infrastructure remains vulnerable following recent storm events. While receding flood waters have allowed the single eastbound lane to open, officials with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit continue to monitor the weather and the performance of the highway, to determine when the second eastbound lane could also reopen,” a statement from ministry said.

“With more rain in the forecast, people should be aware that highways could close at any time, if conditions change.”

10:45 a.m. Website launched to guide Abbotsford residents through return home

Evacuation orders were downgraded to alerts for 160 properties on the Sumas Prairie Saturday night, according to Abbotsford officials.

With some people previously forced to flee now in a position to return home, the city has launched a website aimed at assisting impacted residents through the process.

“Rapid Damage Assessments continue today by City of Abbotsford staff and Canada Task Force 1 to ensure that people returning home can do so safely. Roads, culverts and bridges are also being inspected. Returning home after a flooding event can be difficult,” a statement from the city said.

“This page provides information and guidance for residents in the days following their return home, as they turn to agencies, insurers and other levels of government for support.”

Evacuation orders remain in place for 325 properties.

10:25 a.m. Highway 1 eastbound expected to reopen soon

Officials in Abbotsford say Highway 1 eastbound is expected to reopen to traffic Sunday morning. The closure is in effect between the No. 3 Road and Highway 11 exits. The roughly 13 kilometre stretch reopened to westbound traffic Saturday evening.

“The on and off ramps remain closed at Whatcom Road and drivers are asked not to attempt to bypass flooded areas using side roads that are still within evacuation zones and to follow traffic control signs and barriers for their safety,” an update from city officials Sunday morning said.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Kaija Jussinoja