Chilliwack Braces as Atmospheric River Sparks Evacuations
So, here’s what’s happening right now in the Fraser Valley, and it’s a situation unfolding quickly. Parts of the region have been placed under an evacuation order after an atmospheric river pushed heavy, unrelenting rain across B.C.’s south coast. The Fraser Valley Regional District issued the order for the Wilson Road area early Wednesday afternoon, warning that flood waters are posing a real risk to life and safety. People living there have either already been told to get out or to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Across the region, conditions have been escalating fast. Earlier in the day, B.C.’s Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship upgraded a flood watch to a full flood warning for sections of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. River levels were either above their banks or on the verge of spilling over, meaning flooding in low-lying areas was expected. Emergency officials continued urging everyone to stay far away from fast-moving rivers and unstable riverbanks.
The rain itself is coming from a long plume of moisture that stretches nearly as far back as Hawaii—essentially a conveyor belt of warm, wet air. Forecasters expect as much as 70 millimetres of rain to fall between Tuesday and Wednesday evening. With warmer temperatures lifting freezing levels, snowmelt is adding even more water to an already saturated landscape. Roads are seeing pooling water, visibility is dropping suddenly, and some routes may become impassable.
Also Read:- Bread Price-Fixing Payout Deadline Approaches for Canadians
- Fed’s Split Decision Sends Interest Rates Lower Again
Meteorologists describe the heaviest rain targeting eastern Metro Vancouver and further into the Valley. This is where the “Orange Warning” remains in effect, covering areas like Chilliwack, Hope, the Hope Slide, and the stretch of Highway 3 toward Princeton. Drivers are being warned not to attempt driving through flooded sections, and to slow down, especially with the dark, rainy conditions that increase the chance of collisions.
Provincial officials are also stepping forward. B.C.’s Emergency Management Minister, Kelly Greene, has asked residents to take this seriously—prepare grab-and-go bags, create emergency plans, and follow evacuation orders immediately if they’re issued. Emergency support services are already being arranged for those who may need help with essentials like food, shelter, and clothing.
In Abbotsford, localized flooding has already started, and authorities are monitoring the Nooksack River in Washington state because overflow there has historically caused cross-border flooding into the Fraser Valley. Some roads have already been closed, and sandbags are available for anyone who needs them.
Even south of the border, Washington’s governor has declared a statewide emergency, activating the National Guard to help respond.
All in all, the region is in a tense, fast-moving weather situation. People are being urged to stay alert, stay safe, and give themselves extra time—whether they’re preparing to evacuate or simply trying to navigate the roads in these difficult conditions.
Read More:
0 Comments