(Victoria) An evacuation order has been issued for the Huntingdon neighborhood of the city of Abbotsford, as rain continues to fall over already soggy southern British Columbia.
Residents were told they had to leave the area immediately while emergency crews assisted with evacuation efforts.
Flood warnings were issued overnight for the towns of Tulameen River, Similkameen River, Coldwater River and Nicola River.
The second in a series of atmospheric rivers moved on Saturday, bringing constant precipitation that is expected to last until at least Sunday afternoon, according to Environment Canada. However, a third atmospheric river, perhaps of even greater intensity, is expected to arrive on Tuesday.
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District issued an evacuation alert for 18 residences in the Pemberton Meadows area, while the Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued an evacuation alert for 49 other residences outside of Merritt and Spences Bridge . Residents have been advised to pack essential items and be ready to evacuate at any time if conditions deteriorate.
Dozens of communities remain under surveillance for flood risk and weather alerts are currently being issued in southern British Columbia.
As a preventive measure, Route 1 through the Fraser Canyon, Route 3 between Hope and Princeton, and Route 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet were closed on Saturday following storm warnings. The Ministry of Transportation notes that the highways have already been affected by extreme weather conditions, and says their reopening will depend on weather conditions.
BC Drive also reported overnight that flooding forced the closure of a 4.8-kilometer section of Highway 7 in Maple Ridge.
In the prime agricultural area of Abbotsford, Mayor Henry Braun said on Saturday that while he is confident the town could withstand this weekend’s rainfall, it could not cope with another river overflow Nooksack in the Sumas Prairie.
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
Aerial view of the area most affected by the floods.
The Nooksack River passes south of the border and Mr Braun said US officials informed him their dikes were damaged in the last flood.
The mayor said he spoke to the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, and Prime Minister of British Columbia, John Horgan, about the importance of supporting critical dike and drainage infrastructure over the long term.