Monday - December 15 - Monday morning snapshot

🌧️ High 9°C

Morning,

There’s some cautious optimism to share today. Flood conditions across parts of the Fraser Valley have continued to improve, with water levels receding, Highway 1 reopened in both directions through Abbotsford, and schools in Abbotsford and Chilliwack reopening this morning, with a few localized exceptions. Crews remain active, and officials are urging continued caution as more rain is forecast.

To help make sense of where we are now, we’re also resurfacing some in-depth reporting from former Fraser Valley Current editor Tyler Olsen, whose work over the past few years offers essential context on Sumas Prairie, the Nooksack River, and why this region remains vulnerable—even as protections improve.

We’ll continue sharing verified updates as they come in.

– The FVC team

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Traffic & Weather

🌤 Local forecast: Langley | Chilliwack | Abbotsford | Hope | Mission

🚘 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google, and find DriveBC’s latest updates.

🛣 Click here for links to road cameras across the Fraser Valley, including those for the Coquihalla, Highway 7, Hope-Princeton, Fraser Canyon, and Highway 1 in Langley and Abbotsford.

News

Flood update: Monday morning snapshot

According to updates from the City of Abbotsford, flood conditions in Abbotsford continued to improve over the weekend, with water levels gradually receding and many evacuation orders downgraded or lifted. A small number of properties remain under Evacuation Order, while others are still on Evacuation Alert as a precaution.

Highway 1 has partially reopened through Abbotsford, easing regional travel, though some ramps and local roads remain closed and drivers are urged to follow posted restrictions.

City crews and emergency officials remain active, monitoring river levels, dikes, roads, and incoming weather as more rain is expected this week. Residents in affected areas are being asked to stay cautious and prepared in case conditions change.

For the latest, property-specific information, including evacuation status, road closures, and recovery resources, residents should rely on official City of Abbotsford updates at abbotsford.ca.

In Other News

🏫 Abbotsford and Chilliwack school districts will reopen today following flood-related closures, with the exception of Semá:th Elementary, which remains closed as crews assess access and safety.

🚧 The City of Chilliwack says urgent repair and debris-removal work is underway at the Keith Wilson Bridge, with single-lane alternating traffic expected to cause delays.

🚨 Abbotsford Police are investigating a targeted homicide after a man died from stab wounds at a residence, with one suspect arrested and IHIT leading the investigation.

🚗 Highway 1 has reopened in both directions through Abbotsford after floodwaters receded, though drivers are urged to remain cautious as conditions continue to evolve.

🌧️ Debris removal is planned at the Keith Wilson Bridge as more rainfall is forecast and flood warnings remain in effect for parts of Chilliwack.

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