As floodwaters receded in Abbotsford, British Columbia, officials have reopened Highway 1 and begun to downgrade evacuation alerts, even as a new spell of rain is forecast to hit the Fraser Valley.
Highway 1 reopens as waters retreat
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit announced Sunday morning that Highway 1 through Abbotsford is now open with one eastbound lane and both westbound lanes operating. DriveBC provides a full list of current road closures and reopenings here. Drivers are warned to expect reduced speed limits, congestion and longer travel times while conditions stabilize.
Rainfall warnings and landslide risk
Environment Canada says the valley—including Abbotsford, Metro Vancouver and the Sea‑to‑Sky corridor—could receive up to 80 mm of rain, with the heaviest downpours expected on Monday. The agency also cautioned that steep slopes, deforested areas and recent burn scars are vulnerable to landslides as the wet system moves in.
Evacuation orders being lifted
The city lifted evacuation alerts for 1,069 properties in Sumas Prairie West and East on Saturday evening and downgraded another 160 properties from orders to alerts, including most homes along Angus Campbell Road and Huntingdon Village. Evacuation orders remain for 325 properties, and fire chief Erick Peterson said officials hope to lift orders for more than 300 homes on Sunday after damage assessments deemed most houses safe to re‑enter. Mayor Ross Siemens noted that overflow from the Nooksack River continues to threaten the area, and the emergency operations centre will keep monitoring river levels and weather.
Residents still coping with isolation
For some, the crisis is far from over. Abbotsford farmer Jesse Fuller described how flood‑covered roads have cut off his family for nearly two days, forcing him to use a small fishing boat to bring in supplies while his driveway remains three to four feet deep. “There’s my wife, three little kids, horses and other animals with us,” he said, emphasizing that leaving the animals was not an option. Neighbourhoods north of Highway 1, such as Delair Park, also show lingering damage, with a flooded baseball diamond that shocked local residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Highway 1 closed initially?
The highway was shut after floodwaters inundated the roadway, posing safety risks and blocking traffic.
How many properties remain under evacuation order?
Evacuation orders are still in effect for 325 properties across Sumas Prairie.
What level of weather alert is currently active?
All rainfall warnings issued by Environment Canada are yellow alerts, indicating hazardous weather that could cause moderate, localized impacts.
How do you think the community will manage the coming rain and remaining evacuation challenges?
