Flood warning issued as atmospheric river drenches eastern Fraser Valley

A Flood Watch for the eastern Fraser Valley has been upgraded to a Flood Warning, with officials urging residents to stay clear of fast-moving rivers and watch for rapidly rising water.

The BC River Forecast Centre issued the warning for Fraser Valley East at 10am Wednesday, Dec. 10. A warning means river levels are expected to exceed their banks, leading to flooding in low-lying areas. The City of Abbotsford says the current heavy rain has already caused localized flooding in low-lying areas.

At 11:08am, Environment Canada followed with an orange rainfall warning for the region. Forecasters say an atmospheric river over the South Coast is expected to dump 90 to 130 millimetres of rain from now through late this evening on:

• Fraser Valley – central including Chilliwack

• Fraser Valley – east including Hope, Hope Slide, and Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton (western sections)

Warm air with the system will raise freezing levels. Combined with snowmelt, saturated ground, and heavy rain, that’s expected to drive high streamflows and localized flooding. Visibility on roads may drop suddenly in heavy downpours, and some routes could become impassable.

Abbotsford impact and Nooksack monitoring

Abbotsford officials say this weather event is currently expected to be similar to the February 2020 Nooksack overflow. The city is in regular contact with Whatcom County to monitor the Nooksack River.

If the Nooksack overtops its banks, overland flow from the U.S. could reach Abbotsford about seven hours later, potentially affecting sections of Vye, Boundary, and Angus Campbell roads near the Canada–U.S. border.

The City of Abbotsford has activated its Emergency Operations Centre and says staff are monitoring river levels, snowmelt, and dikes around the clock. Staff are stationed 24/7 at Barrowtown Pump Station and throughout the community. Road closures are being prepared at low spots; Clayburn Road is already closed between Highway 11 and Wright Street.

What residents should do

During a flood warning, provincial and local officials recommend people:

• Stay clear of fast-flowing rivers, streams, and unstable riverbanks

• Avoid walking near river edges, ditches, or fast-moving water

• Avoid driving through flooded roadways or across water-covered bridges

• Clear storm drains and gutters of leaves and debris to help prevent water buildup

• Check your local government or First Nation website for community-specific updates and any evacuation alerts or sandbag locations

In Abbotsford, sand and sandbags are available outside the City Public Works Yard at 31739 King Road.

City crews are out clearing catch basins and monitoring local conditions. Residents can report clogged storm drains, localized flooding, flooded roadways, or overflowing ditches by calling 604-853-5485 during the day or 604-864-5552 after hours, or by using the Abbotsford app.

Residents are asked to continue monitoring alerts from Environment Canada and the BC River Forecast Centre and to report severe weather using the hashtag #BCStorm on X or by emailing [email protected].

For the latest official updates, subscribe to receive Environment Canada alerts and visit the Emergency Info BC flood event page.