Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
Summary:
- Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting heavy rain for the entire B.C. coast and the Fraser Valley, where land and rivers remain saturated from recent storms
- People are encouraged to have an emergency plan, avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert to changing conditions
- A flood warning is in effect for the Sumas and Chilliwack Rivers
- A flood watch is in effect for the Kingcome River, Englishman River and the Lower Fraser and tributaries, including the Lillooet River and tributaries around Pemberton, the Fraser Valley, Fraser Canyon and the North Shore mountains
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People on the coast should continue to be vigilant and use caution through the week, as British Columbia will experience more stormy weather and elevated flood hazards starting on Sunday, Dec. 14, into Monday, Dec. 15.
There is the potential for heavy precipitation along the central and north coasts, and on the Washington-B.C. border area.
The current forecast is for this storm to be less severe than earlier during the week of Dec. 7-13. However, high streamflow, flooded areas and ground saturation could lead to persistent flood hazards on Sunday and Monday. At this time, the highest-hazard areas are likely the Fraser Valley and Pemberton Valley.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre continues to monitor current and forecast river conditions and will issue public advisories as warranted.
As of Dec. 14, there is still a flood warning in effect for the Sumas River, as the area is saturated and draining slowly.
Additional new flood warnings and watches, as well as high streamflow advisories, are listed below:
- The River Forecast Centre is upgrading to a flood warning for:
- Chilliwack River and tributaries
- The River Forecast Centre is upgrading to a flood watch for:
- Tributaries of the Lower Fraser including the Lillooet River and tributaries around Pemberton, the Fraser Valley, Fraser Canyon and North Shore Mountains (see separate flood warning for the Sumas River)
- Kingcome River
- Englishman River
- The River Forecast Centre is issuing or maintaining a high streamflow advisory for:
- Haida Gwaii (issuing)
- North coast including Kitimat, Prince Rupert and surrounding areas
- Central coast
- South coast including the Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound and Sea-to-Sky
- Vancouver Island
Stay safe on the road and near rivers, steep slopes
Heavy rain, ground saturation and high streamflows bring increased risk for unstable banks, river erosion, submerged roads, swift water hazards, flooding and landslides. Stay clear of the banks of swift-running rivers and never drive across flooded roads, bridges or river crossings. Six inches of rushing water can knock an adult off their feet; two feet of water can carry away most vehicles, including trucks and SUVs.
With more rain in the forecast, people should be aware that highways could close at any time if conditions change. Check https://www.DriveBC.ca for the most current road conditions and closures, and have a full tank or charge and a vehicle emergency kit if you need to travel.
Be aware of changes that could signal a debris flow. To report suspected landslide indicators, call the 24-hour provincial toll-free number at 1-800-663-3456, contact 911 or call your local fire, police or public works department.
Be prepared
Evacuation orders due to flooding or landslide risk can be issued on short notice. People across B.C. are strongly encouraged to create a household emergency kit and grab-and-go bag for each member of your household, including pets.
A grab-and-go bag is a small emergency kit that’s easy to take with you if you’re asked to evacuate. It should include all the essentials you need for the next several days, including water, food, medications, seasonal clothing and important documents like insurance information.
Household emergency kits should include supplies you need if you are asked to shelter in place or if there is a power outage. To learn more about what to pack in a grab-and-go bag and household emergency kit, visit: www.PreparedBC.ca/EmergencyKit
Protect your home from possible flooding of low-lying areas by moving equipment and other property from these areas to higher ground, where possible. Clear perimeter drains and gutters.
Evacuation alerts
If you are placed on evacuation alert, be prepared to leave your home on short notice. Have your grab-and-go bag ready and regularly check your local government or First Nations website for emergency updates.
Emergency information, including evacuation alerts, evacuation orders and recommended actions to take, are available at https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/ and on X (formerly Twitter). These resources are updated 24-7.
Evacuation orders, emergency supports
If your local government or First Nation issues an evacuation order, you must leave the area immediately. Follow all directions from officials and evacuate using the route(s) they’ve identified.
Emergency Support Services (ESS) can support evacuees who need help with temporary accommodation, food, incidentals and clothing. Information on how to receive Emergency Support Services will be available in the evacuation order.
Additionally, people can pre-register for ESS online at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/ so they can access supports when they need it most.
Quick Facts:
- A high streamflow advisory means that river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but no major flooding is expected. Fast-flowing bodies of water increase risks to life and safety. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
- A flood watch means river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed riverbanks. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
- A flood warning means river levels are higher than the riverbank or will become higher than the bank in a short time, and flooding in adjacent areas will result.
Learn More:
- Flood-risk information and active evacuation alerts and orders can be found at @EmergencyInfoBC on X (formerly Twitter), or by visiting:
https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/ - For more information about flood warnings and high streamflow advisories, visit:
https://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm - For more information about flood preparedness, and to download the multi-language hazard guide, visit: www.PreparedBC.ca/Floods
- For more information about landslide preparedness, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/landslides
- To pre-register with Emergency Support Services, visit: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
- For tips about how to create a household emergency plan, visit: https://preparedbc.ca/EmergencyReady
- Farmers who need agricultural emergency response support, including livestock relocations, can call the AgriService B.C. emergency line at 1-888-221-7741
- For resources to help farmers prepare for flooding, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/business-market-development/emergency-management/freshet-and-flood
