Evacuation alerts issued near Pemberton and near Merritt as storm batters B.C.
Authorities in some parts of B.C. already struggling with flooding and landslides issued new evacuation alerts on Saturday as the second of three successive atmospheric rivers brought heavy rain to the province.
In the Interior, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued evacuation alerts for low-lying areas in electoral areas I, M and N, which surround the flood-ravaged city of Merritt.
"Based on the current weather outlook and modelling from the (B.C.) River Forecast Centre, heavy rainfall in the Southern Interior poses a potential threat to people and property in the Coldwater and Lower Nicola watersheds," the district said in a statement.
Forty-nine properties in the affected areas were already on evacuation orders, according to the regional district. Those orders remain in place.
Elsewhere, several low-lying properties near Pemberton were also placed on evacuation alert Saturday.
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District issued the alert for 18 addresses located along and around Highway 99 near Pemberton.
"There is potential for the current high water levels observed in the Arn Canal to elevate further before this weather system passes," the district said when announcing the alerts.
Residents of areas under evacuation alert should be prepared to leave their homes at a moment's notice.
Detailed maps of the areas affected by evacuation alerts issued Saturday can be found on the Sqaumish-Lillooet and Thompson-Nicola regional district websites.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
BREAKING Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
BREAKING 1 dead in rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont.; 5 others injured
Ontario Provincial Police confirm one person has died after a single-vehicle rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont. that seriously injured five others.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street