Another series of storms set to roll through regions of B.C. devastated by floods and mudslides
CBC
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Communities still reeling from major floods and fatal mudslides in southern B.C. are set to face another series of storms heading into the weekend, as key highways remain closed and thousands of people are still out of their homes.
Environment Canada issued a series of rainfall warnings for regions throughout southwest B.C. overnight on Thursday. Up to 80 millimetres of rain is set to fall near the mountains, and 50 millimetres near the coast.
Though not as strong as the "once in a century" storm that devastated the province, strong southeast winds near the water are also predicted as part of the weather system.
Freezing levels will also rise above mountain tops. The drop in temperature could trigger snowmelt and exacerbate the flooding situation. With the ground already saturated from the earlier downpour, even minor storms can cause rivers and streams to rise faster and potentially flood, the agency says.
"We are still in uncharted territory when it comes to these storms," said B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth at a media conference on Wednesday, adding that there have been almost a dozen atmospheric rivers since mid-September.
"Having several destructive storms in a row is not anywhere near normal."
Once Thursday's storm passes through, another is set to arrive on the coast on Saturday.
The province and local officials are reminding people in flood zones to be ready to evacuate and to pack an emergency kit.
The Fraser Valley region of B.C., including the city of Abbotsford southeast of Vancouver, has been hit particularly hard by the floods.
One region that has been ravaged by floodwaters is the Sumas Prairie area east of the city, where a 'do not use' water advisory was issued on Wednesday afternoon.
The area under the advisory stretches from Angus Campbell Road in the west, to Highway One in the north, the boundary with Chilliwack in the east, and to the U.S. border and Old Yale Road in the south. Other parts of Abbotsford are not affected.
Mayor Henry Braun said although recent dike repairs helped seal off the flow of water into the low-lying region, they need to continue to pump water out, with standing water still keeping evacuees from returning.
WATCH | Soldiers and residents prepare for new series of storms in Abbotsford:
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