Fraser Valley district issues evacuation alert near Chilliwack River

An atmospheric river is bringing heavy rain to B.C.’s South Coast, triggering an evacuation alert in the Fraser Valley.

The Fraser Valley Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for areas near the Chilliwack River, citing “potential danger to life and safety” due to high river flows as an atmospheric river moves through the region.

The district says the alert includes all lands between Allison Pool and Chilliwack Lake near the river or within its floodplain, and is encouraging residents to make a plan and pack essential items in the event they need to leave abruptly.

Rainfall warnings are in effect for most of Vancouver Island and B.C.’s coastal regions with Environment Canada saying heavy rain is expected to continue into Monday.

British Columbia’s River Forecast Centre earlier expanded its flood-watch advisories to cover central, eastern and southern Vancouver Island, joining northern and western Vancouver Island as well as B.C.’s south coast, Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver regions, which were already under the flood-watch classification.

The centre said in a posting on Sunday morning that it was also maintaining high-streamflow advisories for Haida Gwaii and the north, central and south coasts along with the Lower Fraser region.

It said prolonged periods of heavy rain were expected alongside warmer temperatures and additional runoff due to “rain-on-snow melt,” noting that peak river levels were expected until Monday on Vancouver Island and the south coast.

“Expected impacts include the potential for road washouts, localized flooding, overbank flow, swift water hazards and landslides,” the centre’s Sunday advisory said.

“Extra vigilance is appropriate through the weekend and into Monday, with the expectation that this weather pattern could lead to escalating flood hazard.”

Environment Canada said rainfall amounts of up to 200 millimetres was expected along the west side of Vancouver Island, up to 135 millimetres was expected in the island’s inland region, while 100 millimetres was expected on the eastern side.

It said up to 150 millimetres was also expected in Metro Vancouver while up to 100 millimetres was expected in the Fraser Valley before easing Monday night.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 11, 2026.