The Fraser Valley Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for areas near the Chilliwack River due to high river flows caused by an atmospheric river passing through the region. The alert covers lands between Allison Pool and Chilliwack Lake along the river and within its floodplain. Residents are urged to prepare and gather essential items in case of a sudden evacuation.
Rainfall warnings are in effect for most of Vancouver Island and coastal regions of British Columbia, with Environment Canada forecasting continued heavy rain until Monday. The River Forecast Centre in B.C. expanded flood watch advisories to include all of Vancouver Island as the atmospheric river progresses. Central, eastern, and southern Vancouver Island were added to the advisory, joining other regions already classified under flood watch.
The Centre predicts prolonged heavy rain, warmer temperatures, and increased runoff due to rain-on-snow melt, leading to peak river levels until Monday on Vancouver Island and the south coast. Environment Canada also issued warnings for heavy rain persisting into Monday.
Significant rainfall amounts are expected, with up to 200 mm forecasted for the west side of Vancouver Island, 135 mm for the inland region, and 100 mm for the eastern side. Metro Vancouver could receive up to 150 mm of rain, while the Fraser Valley may see up to 100 mm before conditions ease on Monday night.
The north coast, including Kitimat, will experience heavy rain throughout Sunday, gradually tapering off by midnight. However, intermittent rain is anticipated until Tuesday. The River Forecast Centre maintains high streamflow advisories for Haida Gwaii and the north, central, and south coasts, as well as the Lower Fraser region.
The advisory warns of potential road washouts, flooding, swift water hazards, and landslides, urging heightened vigilance through the weekend and into Monday due to the escalating flood hazard posed by the weather pattern.
