Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement warning that additional rain will affect the Fraser Valley this weekend and into early next week, even as floodwaters that swamped parts of Abbotsford earlier in the week begin to recede.
Weather outlook and flood risk
The agency said the already saturated basin could see a new weather system move in overnight and linger through Sunday, followed by what it described as a “potentially significant push of moisture” starting Monday. While exact rainfall totals remain uncertain, officials will issue warnings if conditions worsen.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre has placed a high‑streamflow advisory on large portions of the province, from the North and South Coasts to the Fraser Canyon, indicating rapidly rising river levels but no major flooding expected at this time.
Forecasters expect a series of atmospheric rivers to affect B.C.’s coast from Sunday through the following week, creating a prolonged period of heightened flood hazard. Warmer temperatures could accelerate snowmelt, adding to runoff and raising the risk of erosion, unstable banks, swift water, submerged roads and landslides.
Evacuations and damage assessments
More than 450 properties in Abbotsford remain under evacuation order and over 1,000 are on alert. Rapid damage assessments, supported by city staff and Canada Task Force 1, are under way to determine whether homes are safe to re‑enter; each inspected residence will be marked with a placard indicating its status and directing occupants to support services.
The Chawathil First Nation issued an evacuation order for two homes on Jackson Avenue in Hope, while two properties near the Similkameen River in Princeton have also been evacuated. Evacuation orders continue for the Chopaka Electoral Area in rural Cawston, though the exact number of affected properties was not disclosed.
Transportation impacts
Major routes through the valley remain shut. Highway 1 stays closed in both directions between Whatcom Road and No. 3 Road in Abbotsford, with subsidiary roads in Sumas Prairie also blocked. Officials warn drivers that navigation apps may incorrectly show side streets as open.
The closure has forced traffic onto Highway 7 and Highway 9 for east‑west travel. Meanwhile, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation reports extensive damage to Highway 3, including rockfall, debris, undermined shoulders and blocked culverts at roughly 23 sites. Repairs and slope‑stabilisation work are under way, and the highway remains closed between Hope and East Gate in Manning Park until it is deemed safe.
Highway 3 has reopened between Manning Park and Princeton, and a full list of road closures and reopenings can be accessed via DriveBC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flood warnings are currently active?
As of Saturday at 1:30 p.m. PT, the only flood warning still in place is for the Sumas River.
Why are the major highways still closed?
Highway 1 is blocked in Abbotsford due to flood‑covered roadway, and Highway 3 sustained extensive damage from the recent atmospheric river, including rockfall and compromised culverts, requiring emergency repairs and slope stabilization.
What weather is expected in the coming days?
Heavy rain is forecast for Sunday and Monday, which could lead to high streamflows into Tuesday. A “potentially significant push of moisture” is expected to begin Monday, and a series of atmospheric rivers may affect the coast through early next week, maintaining a heightened flood hazard.
How might these evolving conditions affect your daily plans in the Fraser Valley?
