'Adversity can bring out the best in people': Latest update on current storm and B.C. flood recovery
With dozens of weather warnings still in effect during a lull in the latest storm striking southern and coastal British Columbia, officials say it's hard to tell what the impact will be when it's all over.
Speaking at a news conference Wednesday morning, at a time when conditions had calmed, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said there was more heavy rain to come before it could be determined whether any major damage was caused in the latest bout.
A third weather system, given the name "atmospheric river" by meteorologists, is passing over a large part of the province, some of which is still recovering from flooding caused by mid-November storms.
The term refers to a narrow region in the atmosphere that transports water vapour in a column, almost like a river in the sky.
The systems result in days of relentless rain, and led to flooding and fatal mudslides in B.C. The impacts of the first of the intense storms are still being felt, including in Abbotsford where farms were flooded and thousands of animals died, and on major highways that were partially destroyed and are still closed weeks later.
The third of these storms began its trek across the southern half of B.C., and while, at the time Farnworth spoke shortly before noon, things had calmed, he said wanted to "make it clear to everyone that this storm is not over."
He said a "significant" part of the storm was still to come, later in the day.
"The extreme weather events we've been experiencing are unprecedented, and many parts of our province are experiencing heavy rainfall … The full extent of the damage from this latest storm remains to be seen," Farnworth said.
The province is monitoring conditions closely, some areas are under evacuation order or alert, flood warnings and watches have been issued and some highways were closed as a precaution.
"Our top priority remains public safety," he said.
"I want to thank British Columbians for their vigilance, for being prepared and for keeping themselves and their neighbours safe. When we all work together and do our part, it makes a huge difference."
He called this an "extremely challenging time" for the province. The storms followed a challenging wildfire season in B.C., as well as a heat wave that claimed hundreds of lives – all while in the middle of a global pandemic.
He urged anyone feeling anxious or overwhelmed to turn to professionals and other resources when needed. The minister noted an online hub set up for flood response information includes a range of virtual mental health resources, including free and low-cost counselling.
"I've seen an incredible outpouring of support and comradery during this disaster. Adversity can bring out the best in people," Farnworth said.
WEATHER WARNINGS IN B.C.
As of noon Wednesday there were about two dozen weather warnings and statements in effect in B.C.
Environment Canada said the central and west coasts of Vancouver Island could see up to 150 millimetres of rain as a result of the latest storm, while the Fraser Valley should expect up to 100 millimetres.
Strong winds with gusts of up to 90 km/h are also in the forecast.
The British Columbia River Forecast Centre has issued flood watches for the central and south coasts, Lower Fraser and all of Vancouver Island.
Rain is expected to ease Thursday and Friday, though another, smaller weather system is in the forecast for the South Coast later on Friday.
EVACUATION ORDERS
An evacuation order is in effect in the Birken area due to landslide hazard at Neff Creek, according to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional Distract.
In Abbotsford, evacuation alerts or orders are in place for properties along Florence Drive, Sumas Mountain Road, Lower Sumas Mountain Road, Glencoe Drive and North Parallel Road.
Additionally, travel advisories are in place, and those who live in the affected parts off B.C. are asked to avoid non-essential travel as much as possible.
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.
Case against ex-Mountie charged with helping China can go ahead in Quebec, judge says
A Quebec court judge has ruled that the case against a former RCMP officer charged with helping China conduct foreign interference can go ahead in the province.
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting case
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case in which prosecutors allege he stole nearly US$17 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.