Summary

• Rivers have risen from rainfall on Dec. 8 and are expected to continue rising through Dec. 11
• A flood watch has been issued for Fraser Valley communities and lower Fraser River tributaries
• A flood watch has also been issued for the Sumas River
• People should be aware, have a plan and take steps to prepare for potential impacts

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People on the south and central coasts should use caution through the week, as British Columbia will be hit with a series of atmospheric rivers impacting the Pacific Northwest and increasing flood risk.

Rainfall amounts are unusually high for this time of year, with up to 100 millimetres of rain in the last 24 hours. The next period of heavy rain is anticipated overnight on Tuesday and through the day on Wednesday, with up to 100 mm in the Lower Mainland and potentially more than 100 mm of rain east of Hope. Heavier rainfall south of the border may lead to flooding along the Nooksack River, with a potential for spilling into the Sumas River. The highest river levels are currently expected around the Fraser Valley, including the Chilliwack River and surrounding areas.

Flood watch and high streamflow advisory

A flood watch and high streamflow advisory have been issued for the following communities and rivers:

• Flood watch
  • Abbotsford
  • Chilliwack
  • Hope
  • Manning Park
  • Sumas River, including potential for spillover from the Nooksack River
  • Chilliwack River
  • Skagit River
  • Coquihalla River
• High streamflow advisory
  • central coast, including the Kingcome River, Wannock River and surrounding basins
  • south coast, including Howe Sound, North Shore Mountains and Metro Vancouver
  • Vancouver Island
  • Tulameen River
  • Coldwater River

Stay safe on the road and near rivers

Heavy rain and rapidly rising rivers can pose hazards, such as flooding, landslides, unstable banks and submerged roads. Stay clear of the banks of swift-running rivers, and never drive across flooded roads, bridges or river crossings.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre continues to monitor forecasts and will provide updates as conditions warrant. Wet and stormy weather is typical for this season, and the Province works with communities to support local emergency preparedness and response actions. 

For information on how to prepare for flood hazards, visit PreparedBC. For current road conditions, check @DriveBC on X or visit: https://drivebc.ca/

Recognize the danger signs

If you live near a waterway, a change in water colour or rapid change in water level, especially a drop, could indicate a problem upstream. Call your local fire, police or public works department immediately if you suspect something is out of the ordinary.

If you face a threatening flood situation, park vehicles away from streams and waterways, move electrical appliances to upper floors and make sure to anchor fuel supplies. Listen to local officials if you are asked to evacuate.

Protect your home

People are advised to prepare for possible flooding of low-lying areas by moving equipment and other assets from these areas to higher ground, where possible. Clear perimeter drains, eavestroughs and gutters. Sandbags can also help and can be made available through local governments.

At this time of year leaves can clog storm drains and impact urban drainage. Keep storm drains clear.

Create grab-and-go bags

Assemble an individual grab-and-go bag for each member of the household, including pets, with the essentials they will need if asked to evacuate. Include important paperwork, such as copies of your insurance; it can cover costs if you need to evacuate.

Review personal flood emergency plans and be prepared. Information on local flood response, including evacuation alerts and orders, is available from local governments and First Nations.

In the event of evacuation orders, Emergency Support Services (ESS) can support evacuees who need help with temporary accommodation, food incidentals and clothing. People are encouraged to register for ESS so they can access supports when they need it most.

For information on how to prepare for flood hazards, visit PreparedBC.

Have a plan

Prepare for a possible power outage or other disruption to infrastructure by creating a household emergency kit with enough non-perishable food, water and supplies to support your household for a week. Make sure it is stored in an accessible location that everyone knows about. If your lights go out, check to see whether BC Hydro is already aware of the outage by visiting: https://www.bchydro.com/index.html

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 risk to life safety.
• Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
• A flood watch means river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed river banks.
• Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
• A flood warning means river levels are higher than the river bank or will become higher than the bank in a short time, and flooding 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, visit:
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/floods
• To pre-register with Emergency Support Services, visit: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
• To create a household emergency plan, visit: https://preparedbc.ca/EmergencyReady