Flood warnings lifted for all but one B.C. river

A man watches as floodwaters erode dirt forming a river off of the highway in Abbotsford, B.C., on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

A reprieve from heavy rainfall and a drop in temperatures prompted a slew of updates on flood risks from B.C.’s River Forecast centre Wednesday morning.

A flood warning, which indicates near-certain flooding and the highest level of hazard, has been lifted for the Sumas River—despite more rain in the forecast.

“A series of atmospheric rivers and storms have impacted British Columbia this week. Rainfall rates have eased through the region this morning, along with cooling temperatures. Additional rainfall is expected on Thursday and Friday, with snow at higher elevations,” an update from the agency said.

“There is currently limited hazard of additional Nooksack (River) overflow into the Sumas River drainage during this event.”

A flood warning was also lifted for the Coquitlam River, after pounding rain caused the water to rapidly rise. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Coquitlam got 70.4 millimetres of rain by 7 a.m. Wednesday.

A flood warning remains, however, for the Chilliwack River and its tributaries. The River Forecast Centre says outflow from Chilliwack Lake is responsible for high water levels, which will likely begin to drop later Wednesday.

A flood watch, which indicates flooding may occur, has been lifted for the South Coast. While incoming rain may cause rivers to rise, the forecast centre says most are “expected to remain below levels of concern.”