ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia, Dec. 13, 2025: Floodwaters across British Columbia’s Fraser Valley are expected to peak Friday as emergency crews race to reinforce barriers and safeguard communities already inundated by several days of relentless rain. Officials say river levels in low-lying regions, including Abbotsford and Chilliwack, remain dangerously high following an atmospheric river that has drenched the southern part of the province this week. The BC River Forecast Centre confirmed that major waterways, including the Fraser and Sumas rivers, are nearing crest levels, with water continuing to rise in vulnerable zones. Municipal and provincial authorities have warned residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert and comply with evacuation orders as conditions remain unstable.
Hundreds of homes have been affected, and thousands more are under alert as officials monitor the movement of floodwaters into residential and agricultural land. In Abbotsford, emergency teams worked through the night to strengthen dikes and move sandbags around critical infrastructure. The city’s mayor said the Sumas Prairie region, an area historically prone to flooding, is facing extensive water accumulation as nearby rivers overflow. Road access to several farming communities remains limited, and some livestock operations have been temporarily evacuated. Local schools in Abbotsford and Chilliwack were closed Friday due to road hazards and persistent flooding. Transportation across the Fraser Valley has been severely disrupted. Sections of Highway 1 between Chilliwack and Abbotsford were closed in both directions after water levels breached road shoulders.
Motorists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel as crews assess damage and work to reopen major routes. Public transit services have been curtailed in several municipalities, and emergency shelters have been established for stranded residents and travelers. British Columbia’s Ministry of Emergency Management said resources have been deployed to assist local response teams, including water pumps, high-capacity vehicles, and rescue personnel. The province’s emergency operations centre remains active, coordinating efforts between local governments, public safety agencies, and the Canadian Armed Forces, which have been placed on standby for potential assistance. Authorities emphasized that while the flooding is expected to crest Friday, the situation remains fluid due to saturated ground and continuing precipitation.
Transport corridors and schools remain under closures
Environment and Climate Change Canada reported that the Fraser Valley region could receive an additional 30 to 50 millimeters of rainfall over the weekend, compounding existing flood risks. Officials said the atmospheric river that brought this week’s heavy rainfall originated over the Pacific Ocean and funneled moisture across the Pacific Northwest, affecting both British Columbia and neighboring parts of Washington State. Meteorologists noted that although the intensity of rainfall is easing, runoff from higher elevations continues to swell local rivers and tributaries. Across the broader region, communities are coping with widespread disruptions to utilities and essential services. Power outages have been reported in parts of the Fraser Valley as crews work to restore electricity to affected neighborhoods.
Water levels expected to remain elevated through weekend
Emergency hotlines and online portals remain open for residents seeking assistance or updates on evacuation zones. Authorities have urged the public to stay away from flooded roadways, riverbanks, and drainage systems, citing ongoing safety risks. Local emergency services continue door-to-door wellness checks to ensure no residents are stranded or without essential supplies. As the province confronts the peak of the flood event, officials reiterated that recovery and assessment efforts will begin once waters recede to safe levels. The focus for now remains on protecting life and property, maintaining infrastructure stability, and ensuring continued access to emergency support. While the weather pattern is forecast to stabilize gradually, water levels across the Fraser Valley are expected to remain high through the weekend before beginning to decline, with cleanup operations commencing immediately where conditions permit. – By Content Syndication Services.