‘Really challenging issue’: Many B.C. communities still at high risk for flooding

Floodwaters recede in Abbotsford, but Highway 1 remains closed; experts warn more rain, landslides and repeated flooding risks due to climate change.

Floodwaters are beginning to recede in parts of Abbotsford, B.C., but officials warn the risk is far from over as more rain is forecast for an already saturated Fraser Valley.

The City of Abbotsford said Saturday that some neighbourhoods are seeing “significant improvement,” even as water continues to flow north from the Nooksack River in Washington state, which first overflowed earlier this week.

Side roads remain flooded and the Trans-Canada Highway is still closed, cutting off the fastest road between Metro Vancouver and the rest of Canada.

“There is currently no way through Abbotsford and Chilliwack to get to the eastern reaches of B.C.,” the city said in a statement, adding that online maps are showing inaccurate information about road closures.

EmergencyInfoBC reiterated Saturday afternoon that Highway 1 remains closed and warned drivers not to attempt to bypass barricades using side roads, many of which are also underwater.

“Driving through flooded areas is a risk to life safety,” the agency said.

Earlier this week, other main highways were also closed due to the extreme flooding and some have since reopened.

Residents are being urged to remain cautious amid fatal collisions, crashes and accidents that have occurred during this atmospheric river flood.