Environment Canada has issued significant rainfall warnings in low-lying parts of southwestern British Columbia as major flood cleanup continues in some areas.
The Fraser Valley, Howe Sound and the North Shore are under a yellow rainfall warning with 50 to 70 millimetres of rain expected by Wednesday morning.
There is also a special weather statement for strong winds, around 70 to 80 kilometres overnight, for both Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
“We could see some tree failures and some branches coming down,” Brian Proctor with Environment Canada said.
“You know, we saturated a lot of the ground in these areas, so those root systems are gonna be somewhat unstable. So really watch for that potential.”
On Monday, a woman died in Chiliwack after a tree limb fell on her. RCMP say it was a tragic accident.
In Hope, wind also knocked down trees in front of homes and businesses, including the local hospital. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and there haven’t been any further disruptions.
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“When you get that much moisture, the roots are so saturated they start losing strength,” Victor Smith, the Mayor of Hope, said.
Flood warnings also remain in effect for the Sumas and Chilliwack rivers, along with the North Shore mountains.
Highway 1 through Abbotsford has fully reopened, but Highway 3 between Hope and Manning Park is still closed due to damage caused by slides and washouts.
“Transportation is very concerned about potential for debris flows, mudslides, things of that nature, washouts with culverts, things of that nature,” Proctor said.
“So that is why there’s a lot of the pre-existing road closures or hints of potential road closers on many of the routes going into the southern interior.”
As of Tuesday morning, BC Hydro says about 10,400 customers across the province remain without power due to strong winds brought on by the latest storm.
In Abbotsford, the city downgraded 66 properties from evacuation orders to alerts.
Evacuation orders remain in place for 11 properties, and 474 properties remain under evacuation alert in Abbotsford.
On Tuesday morning, the Fraser Valley Regional District issued an evacuation alert for the area of Electoral Area E – Sheldon Road due to the potential danger to life and safety.
As of Monday afternoon, there were approximately 50 properties under evacuation order and about 1,200 under evacuation alert across B.C.’s South Coast.
-with files from The Canadian Press
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