B.C. storm: More evacuations ordered due to flooding, landslide risks
The latest storm to reach southwestern B.C. has prompted a string of new evacuation orders, while some Abbotsford residents have been allowed to return home for the first time in days.
On Wednesday evening, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District placed eight homes near Pemberton on evacuation order and dozens more on evacuation alert due to an increased risk of landslides in Electoral Area "C."
Most of the properties are located along Reid Road, part of which has been washed out by the recent rainfall, according to the district.
Another evacuation order has been issued along Chilliwack Lake Road, to the northeast of Cultus Lake in Electoral Area "E." Officials said high flows and bank erosion in the Chilliwack River has posed an "immediate danger to life and property."
Farther east, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen ordered 10 rural properties outside Princeton to be evacuated over fresh flooding along the Similkameen River.
Mudslides and overland flooding have also prompted a number of road closures in Mission, and forced TransLink to shut down West Coast Express service.
Initially, the transit agency said trains would be unable to continue past Port Haney, but it later said West Coast Express Trains 4 and 5 had been cancelled. For passengers on Train 3, there is a bus bridge from Port Coquitlam to Mission, TransLink said.
"We thank our passengers for their patience and regret this inconvenience," the agency said in a statement.
In an email to CTV News, CP Rail confirmed that mud was observed on the West Coast Express track west of Port Haney Station. There were no injuries and no trains were involved in the slide, according to CP.
Meanwhile, improving conditions have allowed Abbotsford to downgrade an evacuation order for some properties in the city's Huntingdon Village area to an evacuation alert.
People living in an area bordered by 2nd Avenue on the north, Sumas Way on the west, the U.S. border on the south and 2nd Avenue to Southern Rail on the east have been allowed to return home.
"Please be aware that you may be evacuated again if the situation escalates," warns a message on the Abbotsford website.
The latest evacuation orders and alerts can be found on the Emergency Info B.C. website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A 'tragedy that can't be measured': North Bay's forever chemical problem is also the rest of Canada's
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Questlove was not happy with Drake and Kendrick Lamar's beef: 'Nobody won the war'
While some may have been excited and/or amused by the diss-track feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, the man many consider to be an elder statesman of hip-hop appears less than enthused about it.
Trump heading to Jersey Shore to rally 'mega crowd' in weekend break from hush money trial
After a long week in court, Donald Trump is heading to the Jersey Shore. And his campaign says he'll be joined by "tens of thousands" of his friends.
For moms-to-be, it's possible to take maternity leave without breaking the bank
Pregnancy is often an exciting and anxious time for parents-to-be. And while painting the nursery and choosing a stroller are typically on the agenda, experts say preparing financially for a maternity leave can help reduce stress later on as well.
Fine dining, at a new high. A Michelin-starred chef will take his cuisine to our upper atmosphere
Six guests are set to ascend aboard Spaceship Neptune to the stratosphere, where they will enjoy an immersive dining experience served up by Danish Michelin-starred chef Rasmus Munk.