Advertisement

Highway 1 reopened between Lytton and Spences Bridge

Click to play video: 'September storm roars ashore B.C.’s south coast'
September storm roars ashore B.C.’s south coast
WATCH: After not needing them for months, people are having to break out their raincoats and umbrellas Friday as the first big storm has roared ashore on B.C.'s south coast. As Jennifer Palma reports, the weather wallop is packing a significant amount of rain and strong winds and that's made for a miserable morning for many. – Sep 17, 2021

Transportation officials say a stretch of Highway 1 near Lytton, B.C., reopened Saturday, after a temporary closure due to landslide fears from heavy rains.

The route was closed between Lytton and Spences Bridge at 4 p.m., Friday amid concerns about post-fire hazards brought on by the season’s first rainstorm.

“Debris flows are a post-fire hazard that can be triggered by intense rainfall. Additional provincial roads and highways may be affected by landslide events,” the Ministry of Transportation said in a media release Friday.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

“Drivers should expect to encounter debris along any burnt areas and are advised to plan alternative routes, as further closures may happen with limited notice.”

Much of B.C.’s South Coast was under a rainfall warning on Friday, with Environment Canada warning of between 50 and 80 mm of precipitation for the area.

Story continues below advertisement

People travelling through the area were urged not to stop when its raining, and to ensure they aren’t impeding firefighters or road crews.

The Village of Lytton was virtually razed to the ground by a devastating fire at the end of June that claimed two lives.

Sponsored content

AdChoices