Flooding in Abbotsford as a result of an atmospheric river, December 2025
Heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers have displaced hundreds of residents in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley this week, as communities grapple with rising waters and disrupted transportation routes. Abbotsford and surrounding areas remain under a state of emergency, with evacuation orders and alerts issued for parts of Sumas Prairie and Clayburn Village.
The flooding, driven in part by overflow from Washington’s Nooksack River, peaked on Thursday, December 11, 2025, inundating roads and farmland. While rainfall warnings have eased, officials caution that another atmospheric river is expected to arrive by Sunday, potentially worsening conditions.
Transportation has been severely impacted. Highway 1 eastbound between Bridal Falls and Hope was closed due to flooding, while Highway 7 was shut down following a rockslide. Several other routes connecting the Lower Mainland to the Interior were also affected. By Friday morning, some highways had reopened, offering limited relief to stranded travelers, though advisories remain in place for all non-essential travel.
Residents and emergency crews continue to monitor water levels, with officials warning that rivers across the region are still at or near capacity. The province has expanded flood warnings to include other communities such as Princeton and areas along the Similkameen and Tulameen rivers.
The Fraser Valley has faced repeated flooding challenges in recent years, most notably in 2021, when devastating floods caused widespread damage. This latest event has renewed concerns about long-term preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
In summary: Hundreds remain displaced, highways are only partially reopened, and the threat of further flooding looms as another storm system approaches. Authorities urge residents to stay alert and follow evacuation orders as conditions evolve.
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