Drenching rain in southern B.C. triggers Fraser Valley state of emergency

  • Canadian Press

A woman walks a dog as heavy rain falls in downtown Vancouver on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

VANCOUVER -- B.C. Emergency Management Minister Kelly Green says a state of local emergency has been declared in the Fraser Valley due to flood risks from a series of atmospheric river weather systems that are drenching the province.

Evacuation orders have also been issued for eight properties along the Chilliwack River, with residents being told to leave immediately.

The Fraser Valley Regional District says there's a risk of landslides, debris flows, mudslides and flooding due to the heavy rain, which follows a month of above average rainfall.

Green says the situation is "very dynamic" and people in low-lying areas need to be ready for flooding.

The district says the emergency order will remain in place for 14 days, unless rescinded.

The storms began washing over southern B.C. on Monday and Environment Canada says up to 110 centimetres of rain will fall before it pushes out.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2025.