Storms headed for B.C. as province grapples with last week’s destructive weather

It’s been over a week since rainstorms over southern B.C. caused massive flooding, fatal mudslides, and a yet-to-be calculated amount of damage, but an upcoming weather system could make it even worse, according to the province’s public safety minister.

Mike Farnworth says these predicted atmospheric rivers are coming at a time when “we’re already grappling with some of the most destructive weather we’ve ever seen.”

“They are coming as crews work day and night to repair the extensive damage from last week,” he said.

Farnworth says the province has made positive strides in its recovery progress, but there is still significant flood damage in many places. He says in many ways, “we are still in uncharted territory when it comes to these storms.”

“The ground is already saturated, which means that even a routine storm for this time of year can cause rivers and streams to rise faster and potentially flood. The ground is wetter, snowmelt is occurring, and some areas are extremely vulnerable due to recent wildfires and droughts,” he said.

“Although we are up to the challenge, we are working through a monumental task.”

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While CityNews Meteorologist Michael Kuss and Environment and Climate Change Canada say the upcoming system will not be as intense as the one that triggered mass flooding and mudslides, it is expected to bring significant rain and wind.

As the province waits for the rain to fall Wednesday night through to the end of the day Thursday, work continues to clean up the destruction of the last storm.

Crews are working to make critical repairs in Abbotsford’s Sumas Prairie which has experienced extensive flood damage.

A Sumas Prairie pump station has been able to partially reopen its floodgates, allowing excess water from the Sumas River to flow into the Fraser River.

Meanwhile, some people are returning to their homes in Merritt, Princeton, and elsewhere.

“They’re beginning the difficult work of dealing with the debris and the destruction that floodwaters left behind. And yet others remain evacuated. Some now for more than a week,” Farnworth said.

Canadian Armed Forces are now in Princeton with more expected to arrive later Wednesday.

“Although there’s still a lot of work to be done, exceptional people are doing it 1000s of emergency workers including government, first responders, construction crews volunteers, soldiers and more are working hard to help keep people safe and get communities the supports that they need.”

In the meantime, Environment and Climate Change Canada modellers are trying to predict where the storms will strike and how severe they will be.

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Farnworth says the province is still a long way from being out of danger.

“We must remain vigilant, especially as these weather systems come back again. We need to be prepared.”

He is calling on people to do what they can to stormproof their properties and regularly check for updates, warnings, and alerts from local and First Nation authorities.

“Stay off restricted roadways, adhere to gas rationing rules, buy only what you need in the short term. Keep emergency supplies in your vehicles, such as food water, warm clothes, and a blanket just in case.”

Farnworth is also pointing British Columbians to the new Service BC contact for information about floods and disasters, including emergency supports, financial aid, mental health supports, road conditions and travel, federal supports like employment insurance, agricultural supports, and more. For this service call 1-833-376-2452 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.