Rainfall warnings issued for Lower Mainland as B.C. communities brace for floods
Parts of the Lower Mainland could be drenched with up to 120 millimetres of rainfall by Sunday afternoon, according to new weather warnings from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
That rainfall will be accompanied by snowmelt on the mountains that could increase the risk of flooding and potentially impact "vulnerable landscapes and infrastructure," the weather agency said early Saturday morning.
The heaviest rain is forecast to arrive Saturday night, as another front approaches B.C.'s South Coast. Environment Canada is expecting about 60 millimetres in Vancouver, 80 millimetres in the Fraser Valley and 100 millimetres or more closer to the mountains. Squamish could see as much as 120 millimetres, according to the forecast.
"Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts," Environment and Climate Change Canada said in a 4:23 a.m. warning.
The B.C. government announced Friday that it's proactively closing portions of several major highways Saturday over concerns about the coming storm.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said the closures will impact Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton, Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet, and Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon.
The ministry did not initially confirm when the highways would be closed. On Saturday, it announced that Highways 1 and 3 would close at 2 p.m. and Highway 99 would close at 4 p.m.
Transportation Minister Rob Fleming urged British Columbians to avoid non-essential travel, noting an "increased risk of landslides" this weekend.
Last week's historic storm is estimated to have damaged or destroyed about 200 different points along the province's highways.
Communities that suffered severe flooding during that weather event have been bracing for this weekend's rainfall for days. Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun, whose city is already estimated to have sustained $1 billlion in damage, said officials "remain very concerned" despite the work that's been completed to keep its Barrowtown Pump Station operational.
The main portion of a dike that burst last week, sending water from the Sumas River gushing into Sumas Prairie, has been repaired, and crews are working to raise a further seven kilometres of dike along the river.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
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.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
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.
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.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.