Flooding in B.C.’s Fraser Valley expected to peak Friday, with more rain on the way

Flooding in B.C.’s Fraser Valley, caused by overflow from the Nooksack River in Washington state, is expected to reach its peak Friday, as highways and some schools remain closed and residents assess the damage.

Here is the latest:

The B.C. River Forecast Centre still has a flood warning in place for the Sumas River, including spillover from the Nooksack River, but has ended a flood warning for the lower Fraser River, including its tributaries in areas around Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope and east through Manning Park.

The centre says water levels in Washington state were already receding, but floodwaters being pushed north into B.C. and the Sumas Prairie area were expected to keep rising overnight and peak sometime Friday morning.

More rain coming

Environment Canada has ended rainfall warnings but issued a special weather statement, saying more rainfall is coming “for the already saturated Fraser Valley.”

It says there will be relatively light rain in the region Friday before another system moves into the area Saturday night, “followed by a potentially significant push of moisture Monday and into early next week.”

The B.C. River Forecast Centre says a few days of lighter rain could help create room in many of B.C.’s waterways that are already at or near flooding levels.

Meanwhile, officials in places like Abbotsford are urging residents to stay away from flood waters and be mindful of road closures.

B.C. Agriculture Minister Lana Popham says more than 160 farms in the Fraser Valley are under evacuation order or alert, although livestock is considered safe.