Flood alert upgraded to warning in Chilliwack River ahead of significant rainfall warning

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CHILLIWACK — A series of atmospheric rivers is set to start rolling into B.C. through the start of the week, leading to high streamflows across Fraser Valley waters today (Dec. 14).

The River Forecast Centre has upgraded the flood watch on the Chilliwack River and its streams to a flood warning due to fast-flowing waters and potentially unstable riverbanks, and the high streamflow advisory for tributaries of the Lower Fraser has been upgraded to a flood watch.

These include Lillooet River & tributaries near Pemberton, Fraser Valley, Fraser Canyon and North Shore Mountains, as well as Kingcome and Englishman rivers.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has also issued an orange warning from west in Abbotsford to central Fraser Valley in Chilliwack as a stronger frontal system is expected to bring significant rainfall to the region.

Heaviest rainfall is likely to arrive on Monday, with freezing levels rising to 2,500 metres and southerly winds moving into the southwest by the afternoon.

“Localized flooding is likely,” said the weather agency. “Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas such as steep slopes, deforested areas or recent burn scars.”

Rain is likely to ease early that evening.

Drivers are asked to prepare for travel delays or cancellations as some roads may become impassable.

A flood warning for the Sumas River also remains in effect as of Saturday, December 13.