Conditions in southwestern B.C. remain volatile as third storm looms
Posted November 28, 2021 12:55 pm.
Last Updated November 28, 2021 2:52 pm.
The situation in parts of B.C. remains volatile Sunday — with stretches of major highways still closed, another intense storm on the way, and communities struggling to cope amid catastrophic damage.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said the province is poised to use the Alert Ready system in the coming days, but only at the request of an impacted community.
“We’re in the middle of one of the most intense series of storms that we have seen along coastal BC. This is historic weather intensified by climate change. The Interior and Southwest areas continue to see heavy rains with more on the way as the third in a trio of storms is expected to hit us,” he said.
“Emergency Management BC has already reached out to emergency managers in First Nations and local governments in the areas that are forecast to be affected in the days ahead. Should a community or communities feel there is an imminent threat to life or public safety — the province stands ready to issue what we call a broadcast intrusive alert.”
RELATED: Abbotsford remains on ‘high alert,’ more evacuations ordered due to flooding
Farnworth urged everyone to hed evacuation orders and alerts, have an emergency kit prepared, and avoid all non-essential travel.
“Now’s the time to prepare for heavy rains and to do your part.”
UPDATE – Closures remain in effect due to #BCStorm impacts on the following #BCHwys
#BCHwy3, #HopeBC to #PrincetonBC
#BCHwy1 in the Fraser Canyon
#BCHwy99, #Lillooet to #Pemberton
For more info & updates: https://t.co/xn50j8yRLn
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) November 28, 2021
Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said there is still no estimated time of reopening for routes that were “proactively” closed Saturday afternoon. Drivers are prohibited from using Highway 1 between Popkum and Hope, and through the Fraser Canyon. Highway 3 is completely closed between Hope and Princeton, as is Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet.
Although there have been “no major slides or wash outs,” Fleming says they remain “vulnerable and at heightened risk because of ground saturation from the storm event two weeks ago.”
There has been one mudslide as well as flooding, rockfall and fallen trees along the troutes.
“Cleanup is underway we have geotechnical engineers that are currently assessing when they can reopen,” Fleming said.
Flooding closed part of Lougheed Highway in Maple Ridge for several hours Sunday, a situation Fleming said underscores the importance of staying up to date on changing road conditions.
“We could see more localized flooding like this in the coming hours and days,” he added, again urging people not to travel if it’s not essential.
We’re watching back to back atmospheric rivers forecast to hit BC, the 1st one starts tomorrow (Nov 27). The 2nd begins on Tuesday (Nov 30).
There is a significant risk of flooding & more impacts on vulnerable landscapes & infrastructure. #bcstormAlerts: https://t.co/SX1zBS4jPt pic.twitter.com/YEE1BBE15M
— ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) November 26, 2021
Armel Castellan with Environment Canada said there is still “high uncertainty”about when, where, and how severely the next storm will hit.
“We, as well as the other agencies present here, urge maximum caution and vigilance as we go forward into the next few days,” he said.
