An atmospheric river is sweeping across southern B.C., leading to fears there could be a repeat of the devastating November 2021 storms that killed six people and led to the destruction of hundreds of thousands of farm animals.
Check here for updates:
Drive B.C. is reporting Highway 5 (Coquihalla) is closed in both directions from Hope to Merritt due to flooding at Sowaqua.
Highway 1 eastbound is closed between Bridal Falls and Hope. This means there is no eastbound access from the Lower Mainland to Hope as Highway 7 remains closed between the two locations.
Highway 1 from Yale to Lytton is now closed in both directions due to adverse weather conditions.
The provincial government is calling for only essential travel in the Fraser Valley until the rain subsides.
These reports are as of 9:00 p.m.
Drive B.C. says it has received several reports of flooding on Highway 1 from Chilliwack to Hope.
The Ministry of Transportation is warning Highway 1 could close at any time with little or no notice. Highway 7 is now closed west of Hope with no timeline for re-opening.
📡We have received a number of reports of significant flooding on #BCHwy1 from #Chilliwack to #HopeBC. Crews have been advised and are working to resolve the issue. #FraserValley
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 11, 2025
The Sumas Crossing into Washington State has been closed to commercial traffic to support emergency evacuations due to flooding in the U.S. Local traffic may still use the crossing.
🚧⚠️#SumasCrossing is CLOSED to commercial traffic (4th Avenue crossing) in order to support emergency evacuations due to flooding in #WashingtonState. Local traffic may still use the crossing. At this time, #BCHwy11 remains unaffected. #Abbotsford #Chilliwack #Sumas…
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 11, 2025
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is warning residents of Eastgate on the eastern edge of Manning Park off Highway 3 to be prepared to evacuate due to a flooding threat.
A flood watch has also been issued for all tributaries of the Similkameen River.
The City of Abbotsford has issued evacuation alerts for 960 properties in Sumas Prairie West and Clayburn Village.
This follows a flood warning issued earlier today by the B.C. River Forecast Centre and further conversations with the provincial government, whose modelling information shows that the flooding may be more than what was seen in 2020, but not as significant as the 2021 event.
A state of local emergency has been declared for the Fraser Valley with a flood warning in effect.
The 2021 flooding of the Sumas Prairie led to six deaths and the loss of hundreds of thousands of farm animals.
The City of Abbotsford remains in contact with Whatcom County in Washington State, through which the Nooksack River flows.
Mayor Siemens & EOC Director Erick Peterson provide an update on the Flood Warning & current evacuation alerts. Conditions & forecasts are always subject to change and the City will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as information becomes available. pic.twitter.com/48lcXV5QLm
— City of Abbotsford (@City_Abbotsford) December 11, 2025
When flooded, the Nooksack River overflows into the Sumas Prairie. It is expected to overtop its banks this afternoon and overflow water will take approximately seven hours to cross the Canada/U.S. border.
The most potentially impacted properties will receive hand-delivered notices from Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service, Abbotsford Police Department and others this evening.
The City of Abbotsford is issuing evacuation alerts for properties in Sumas Prairie West and Clayburn Village.
This follows a Flood Warning issued earlier today by the BC River Forecast Centre and further conversations with the Province of BC based on their modelling information… pic.twitter.com/dhB5D6aFOS
— Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept) December 11, 2025
Residents in Sumas Prairie West and Clayburn Village are encouraged to plan ahead should they need to evacuate.
Crews are actively monitoring river levels, dikes and road conditions closely. Crews will be closing Cole Road at the dike, between Wellsline Road and Vye Road later this evening.
Flood Warning issued for Abbotsford. Please follow verified updates and stay safe. We’ll continue to share information as we receive it. pic.twitter.com/QtypqcDB9h
— Bruce Banman (@BruceBanman) December 10, 2025
More to come
