Floodwaters are beginning to recede in parts of Abbotsford, B.C., but officials warn the danger is far from over as additional rain is forecast for an already saturated Fraser Valley.
What happened
The City of Abbotsford reported “significant improvement” in several neighbourhoods on Saturday, even as the Nooksack River in Washington continued to flow northward after overflowing earlier this week.
Side roads remain underwater and the Trans‑Canada Highway (Highway 1) stays closed, cutting off the fastest route between Metro Vancouver and the rest of Canada. The city warned that online maps are showing inaccurate road‑closure information.
EmergencyInfoBC reiterated the closure and urged drivers not to bypass barricades, noting that many side streets are also flooded. “Driving through flooded areas is a risk to life safety,” the agency said.
At least one fatality occurred when a vehicle rolled into a water‑filled ditch on Huntingdon Road; the occupant was rescued but died at the scene. The road remains closed while investigators work.
Provincial emergency officials said roughly 450 properties have been evacuated province‑wide—most in Abbotsford—with about 1,700 more under evacuation alert. Residents recalled the catastrophic floods of 2021.
Local resident Cindy Braun described watching Highway 1 become submerged and warned that water levels continued to rise overnight.
Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast more rain on Sunday, with a “potentially significant push of moisture” expected for Monday and early next week, and warned of heightened landslide risk as saturated slopes become unstable.
In nearby Chilliwack, Mayor Ken Popove said crews are monitoring landslide‑prone areas and have issued evacuation notices for Marble Hill due to debris‑flow hazards, plus alerts near Patterson Road.
Why it matters
The prolonged highway closure severs a critical transportation corridor, affecting commuters, freight movement, and emergency response across the province. Fatal collisions underscore the life‑safety threat posed by driving through flood‑water.
Widespread evacuations and property damage strain local resources and revive memories of the 2021 disaster, highlighting the community’s vulnerability to repeated flooding events.
Scientists, including UBC professor Tara Martin, link the increasing frequency of such floods to climate change, noting that atmospheric rivers and heavier rainfall push water into rivers faster than snowmelt traditionally did.
The agricultural sector is also impacted. While water levels on farms have stabilized, dairy producers report extensive cleanup needs and frustration over limited infrastructure improvements since 2021.
What may happen next
If the forecasted rain materializes, additional flooding could worsen road conditions, prolong Highway 1’s closure, and increase the risk of landslides on already saturated slopes.
Authorities may issue further evacuation alerts, especially in low‑lying or landslide‑prone zones such as Marble Hill.
In the longer term, provincial planners could consider buying out high‑risk properties or investing in new flood‑control measures, although the costs of such actions remain a subject of debate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highway 1 still closed?
Yes. EmergencyInfoBC confirmed that Highway 1 remains closed and drivers are advised not to attempt detours via flooded side roads.
How many properties have been evacuated?
About 450 properties have been evacuated province‑wide, with the majority located in Abbotsford, and roughly 1,700 additional properties are under evacuation alert.
What is the weather forecast for the coming days?
Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts more rain on Sunday, with a “potentially significant push of moisture” expected for Monday and early next week, increasing the risk of further flooding and landslides.
What steps can residents take now to stay safe as the situation evolves?