BC warns of further flood, landslide risks in Lower Mainland due to storm

B.C.’s emergency management minister is urging residents in flood-prone areas to stay prepared as another round of stormy weather hits Metro Vancouver and the already-soaked Fraser Valley.

“We aren’t through this yet, and it’s important to be prepared,” Kelly Greene said Sunday during a press conference, warning the incoming rain could bring “increased flood and landslide risk.”

On Sunday, Environment Canada issued rainfall warnings for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and the Sea-to-Sky corridor.

Forecasters say up to 80 millimetres of rain could fall, with the heaviest rainfall expected overnight Sunday into Monday.

As of Sunday afternoon, the province said roughly 325 properties were still under evacuation order, and about 1,000 were under evacuation alert due to flooding caused by an atmospheric river earlier in the week.

“Waters had been receding, and as a result, some people who were under evacuation order had been able to return home,” Greene said.

The province also said about 100 households are currently being supported through emergency support services for essentials like food, clothing, and shelter, but there is no firm timeline for when remaining evacuees can return home.

A flood warning remains in place on the Sumas River, with additional warnings and watches highlighted for the Chilliwack River and tributaries and other vulnerable watersheds.

The province said it is also monitoring the Nooksack River, though current modelling suggests a lower likelihood of overflow.

Emergency preparedness encouraged, travel discouraged

Residents are being urged to monitor local alerts and have essential supplies ready.

“Have a grab-and-go bag ready with essentials like water, food, clothing, medication, and important documents,” Greene emphasized.

On the roads, the province is stressing improvements could be short-lived, and it is advising drivers to avoid non-essential travel for the time being.

“If you don’t need to travel in the affected areas, we’re asking people to avoid it whenever possible,” Greene said.

After being closed for days due to flooding, Highway 1 between Abbotsford and Chilliwack reopened Sunday morning, with one eastbound lane and both westbound lanes open.

Officials said crews are still monitoring when it is safe to fully reopen, and warn the highway could be shut down again if conditions worsen.

Highway 3 between Hope and Manning Park remains closed due to prior damage, with no reopening estimate provided.

Landslides, power outages, damage

When asked about landslide concerns — including along the Sea-to-Sky corridor — the province said saturated ground increases instability, even if rainfall totals aren’t expected to reach the most extreme levels.

The province added it is conducting “enhanced patrols” along stretches of highways where there is a greater risk of landslides and it is working to keep drainage systems clear so water flows where it is designed to go.

Officials said there are no anticipated power outages, but stressed preparation is key, particularly with wind warnings in parts of the province.

On the scale of damage, officials said standing water in some areas is still limiting assessments, though rapid damage teams — including drones — are being used to support local governments.