Latest in series of storms passing over still-flooded B.C. 'not as severe as forecast'
Officials in British Columbia say the province is "on the other end" of a series of intense storms that caused mudslides, flooding and deaths.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth started his daily update Thursday with what is likely welcome news for thousands of residents who've been impacted by the extreme weather: the worst of it "appears to be behind us."
The forecast includes more seasonally typical conditions for the next week, he said. There will be some rain, but nothing like the precipitation brought by the numerous "atmospheric rivers" that passed over southern B.C. in the past several weeks.
The third in a trio of these systems struck this week, and prompted evacuation orders and pre-emptive road closures, as well as multiple mudslides.
But it could have been worse.
"The latest events were not as severe as forecast," Farnworth said.
After days of renewed weather warnings, Environment Canada lifted all alerts in B.C. Thursday as conditions eased in parts impacted by the storms.
Farnworth said the River Forecast Centre is also taking down many of its advisories, as water levels are expected to drop.
"The process of recovering and rebuilding is already underway, and while it will take time, I'm confident that we will get there," Farnworth said.
Still, those who live nearby or visit those areas recreationally are advised to be wary as snowmelt is still feeding the swollen rivers.
As of Thursday afternoon, warnings remained in place for the Chilliwack River at Vedder Crossing and above Slesse Creek, and for the Coquihalla River above Alexander Creek. Several others are under less severe flood watches and high streamflow advisories.
But conditions had improved enough that a section of Highway 1, which closed Sunday for a second time due to flooding, was reopened between Chilliwack and Abbotsford Thursday.
Part of Highway 99, however, was closed late Wednesday and remained closed Thursday due to a new mudslide. Last month, another mudslide made that highway the site of the deaths of four people, and the presumed death of a fifth who is still missing.
While things are looking up in some areas, new evacuation orders and alerts were issued Thursday, including for properties outside Keremeos and Pemberton.
Farnworth urged residents of B.C. not to allow themselves to get complacent as the conditions improve.
He said steps should be taken as winter approaches, including the monitoring of travel alerts, limiting non-essential trips when conditions are poor, switching to winter tires and keeping an emergency kit in their vehicle.
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.