B.C. floods: Residents urged to prepare for 3rd storm, avoid non-essential travel
British Columbians are being urged to prepare and avoid non-essential travel over the next day as the province braces for the next atmospheric river.
B.C.'s public safety and transportation ministers gave the update during a briefing Tuesday on the ongoing flood situation in the province.
B.C. is bracing for its third atmospheric river in less than a week to arrive on Tuesday, delivering more heavy rain to communities that remain flooded from previous storms.
"There is uncertainty about this next storm as the forecast models do vary," Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said. "For now, what people should do is to get prepared. Being prepared makes a huge difference."
Farnworth urged residents to stay home if they can.
"The best approach is to avoid non-essential travel and wait out the weather," he said, adding that the province "is not in the clear yet."
In anticipation of worsening conditions, Transportation Minister Rob Fleming announced Highway 99 between Pemberton an Lillooet would close Tuesday at 4 p.m.
Highway 1 remains closed between Abbotsford and Chilliwack and between Popkum and Hope, meaning Highway 3 and Highway 7 will be the only major routes connecting the Lower Mainland and Interior after Highway 99 shuts down.
Even some routes that are open are subject to travel orders.
RAINFALL WARNING IN PLACE
Environment and Climate Change Canada's rainfall warning for the South Coast says as much as 120 millimetres of rain could fall near the North Shore. Other parts of Metro Vancouver could see up to 80 millimetres. Meanwhile, parts of Vancouver Island are forecast to see 100 to 150 millimetres.
ECCC's warning preparedness meteorologist Armel Castellan said this next atmospheric river will be a "very strong" event, and will continue through Wednesday.
Castellan said there hasn't been much of a break between the recent atmospheric rivers, meaning "the effects are cumulative."
David Campbell of the River Forecast Centre said Tuesday officials are watching conditions closely, adding there's a chance of "new flooding issues throughout the South Coast region." Campbell said the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Howe Sound and Central Coast could be impacted.
The latest update came the day after Farnworth extended the province's state of emergency due to the ongoing flooding situation. He also extended the gas rationing order until Dec. 14.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.