ABBOTSFORD: Intense rainfall linked to an atmospheric river system has triggered widespread disruption across southern British Columbia, leading the City of Abbotsford to declare a local state of emergency as flood risks escalated rapidly.
City officials ordered evacuations in several neighbourhoods after swollen rivers and creeks spilled beyond their banks, threatening homes and businesses. Hundreds of residents were forced to leave as emergency crews responded to rising water levels, unstable slopes and the growing danger of landslides.
The provincial government has shut down multiple key highway corridors connecting the Lower Mainland with the Interior. Authorities cited flooding, rockfalls, debris on roadways and heightened avalanche risk in mountainous regions as reasons for the closures. Drivers have been advised to postpone all non-essential travel and follow updates from transportation officials.
Emergency teams remain on high alert, monitoring vulnerable areas, assisting with evacuations and setting up temporary shelters for those displaced. Officials also warned of the possibility of falling trees and debris, particularly in higher elevations where saturated ground conditions increase the likelihood of slope failures.
Residents have been urged to remain indoors where safe, avoid flooded streets and never attempt to drive through standing water. With more rain forecast in the coming hours, officials say rivers, dams and mountain passes will continue to be closely watched.
Local and provincial authorities stressed that conditions can change quickly and are asking the public to remain vigilant and heed all emergency instructions as the severe weather system continues to move through the region.
