Fraser Valley on high alert as flood risk lingers despite easing rain

Rain may have eased in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Hope on Thursday morning, but the Fraser Valley remains under significant flood threat as rivers continue to rise and major highways stay closed.

After an intense 24-hour downpour, local waterways — including U.S.-connected rivers like the Nooksack — are still carrying huge volumes of runoff north into Canada. The result: lingering danger even as skies clear.

“We’ll be watching water levels well into the evening,” said Dave Campbell of B.C.’s River Forecast Centre, noting that flows from Washington won’t subside until late Thursday or beyond.

Heavy rainfall totals and early impacts

Environment Canada recorded staggering rainfall amounts on Wednesday, including:

• 140 mm at Hope Airport

• 125 mm at Cultus Lake

• 110 mm at Chilliwack Airport

Despite the intense storm, Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove said early reports show no major flooding — at least so far. “Fingers crossed that things are going to be OK,” he said.

Evacuations and local emergency declared

In Abbotsford, a state of local emergency was declared late Wednesday night. That order triggered evacuations for 371 properties, with more residents placed on alert. Chilliwack also issued evacuation orders for eight properties.

Additional disruptions include:

• Closure of the Sumas border crossing

• All Fraser-Cascade School District schools closed Thursday

• Semá:th Elementary in Abbotsford closed due to evacuation order

• Evacuation alerts in Tulameen and surrounding areas

Major travel routes cut off — with some reopening

On Wednesday, nearly every major highway connecting the Lower Mainland to the Interior was shut down due to slides, flooding or safety concerns. As of Thursday morning:

• Highway 99 has reopened between Pemberton and Lillooet

• Highway 1 has reopened between Lytton and Yale

Other major routes remain closed as crews assess damage and monitor conditions.

Flood warnings and watches remain in effect for Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope, and much of the eastern Fraser Valley along the Sumas River and lower Fraser tributaries.

Washington faces severe flooding of its own

South of the border, Washington state is also battling widespread flooding after days of relentless rain. Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency, warning that “lives will be at stake” as rivers overflow and mudslides threaten communities.

In Skagit County — just south of the border — residents in the river floodplain have already been ordered to evacuate.

High streamflow advisories remain in place across much of southern B.C., with officials urging residents to stay prepared for rapidly changing conditions.