Southern regions of British Columbia are currently experiencing flooding and travel disruptions as a powerful atmospheric river brings record-breaking rainfall.

All four major highways connecting the Interior to the Lower Mainland are impacted due to flooding, rockslides, debris and avalanche concerns. Check DriveBC for the latest road closures and detours when planning your route and your family emergency evacuation plan.

Environment Canada has raised warnings to orange and yellow levels across the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, Sea-to-Sky, Interior and Vancouver Island. Some areas could see 90–130 mm of rain in a single day. Monitor flood alerts in your area with the River Forecast Centre interactive map

Flash flooding, debris and safe driving

This surge in rain has overwhelmed local watersheds, causing rivers such as the Sumas, Chilliwack, Coquihalla, Skagit and Lower Fraser to rise quickly, with some nearing major flood stages.

Please travel only when necessary. Driving conditions are dangerous right now due to water pooling and hydroplaning risks, debris on the roads and reduced visibility.

Emergency declarations and evacuation notices

If you are ordered to evacuate your home by your local emergency officials or Band Office, please leave immediately:

• Stay informed: Check emergency websites, listen to local radio stations and stay in touch with other neighbours or community members
• Prepare to use your emergency plan
• Check on Elders and people in your community
• Shut off electrical devices including small appliances
• Move valuables to higher areas like shelving or second floors
• If power goes out, keep the door closed on the fridge/freezer and keep food inside it. This will help keep food safe (up to about 12 hours for a fridge, 24 hours for a half-full freezer, and up to 48 hours for a full freezer)

Check with community or emergency officials before returning home after an evacuation.

Returning home and food safety

If you have a well and the well head is flooded, contact your community health centre, Environmental Health Officer or Environmental Public Health Services here. 

Check your food to see if it has come into contact with flood waters. Do not eat food that has been exposed to contaminated water. Please see Freshet and Sp ring Flooding on food safety after a flood.

Important emergency resources

PreparedBC: Information about hazards, building kits, making plans, guides and resources, evacuation and recovery, and education programs and toolkits.

DriveBC: Lists current road conditions across the province.

EmergencyInfoBC: Identifies current emergencies in BC.

Freshet and Sp ring Flooding: While flooding is more common in spring, this FNHA webpage has information about how to prepare for and respond to a flood at any time of year.

Preparing for Flooding: FNHA resource (PDF) about how to prepare for a flood.