The Hamilton Spectator

More evacuations as crews try to hold back floodwaters in British Columbia

Province extending state of emergency and fuel rationing

Environment Canada is warning that up to 200 mm of rain could drench the central coast of British Columbia and parts of Vancouver Island through to Wednesday as a third atmospheric river hits the province.

It says heavy downpours could cause water pooling on roads and flooding in low-lying areas, with snowmelt possibly adding to increased runoff with mild temperatures at higher altitudes.

The agency is also forecasting strong southerly winds over exposed coastal sections as part of a storm packing heavy rain.

Inland sections of the coast including Bella Bella are expected to get up to 120 mm of rain starting Monday evening, and motorists are being told to avoid driving through water on roads.

“Even shallow, fast-moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle or a person away,” the agency says in a written statement. “Be prepared for winter conditions at higher elevations.”

Heavy snow followed by freezing rain and heavy rain are being forecast for the north coast, including Kitimat, Stewart and Terrace.

Environment Canada says up to 60 mm of rain and between 10 and 40 cm of snow are expected until Tuesday night.

“Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow,” the statement says.

Between 50 and 100 mm of rain is expected for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler and the Sunshine Coast as the third storm in less than a week is set to bring heavy rain to the region.

Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun said the focus is on flooding of the Nooksack River in Washington state because its high waters have the potential to further inundate low-lying areas.

A social media post by the City of Sumas in Washington says floodwaters from the river continue to move north toward the Canadian border but had not yet reached a key bridge about half a kilometre from the border.

The province is also extending fuel rationing until Dec. 14 until the Trans Mountain pipeline is back online.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says the province is also extending the state of emergency until the same date in order to ensure emergency services have the resources they need.

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2021-11-30T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-11-30T08:00:00.0000000Z

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