Fraser River rising; residents warned to be prepared in case of flooding

LANGLEY, B.C. – Hundreds of homes and businesses in the unprotected flood plain along British Columbia's lower Fraser River could be asked to evacuate in the coming days, as rapid melt from snowpack continues to raise water levels.

Approximately 260 properties in the areas of Northwest Langley and Glen Valley, B.C., as well as Brae Island and McMillan Island, are on evacuation alert.

Township of Langley officials say door-to-door evacuation orders could be issued in areas unprotected by dikes if readings at the Mission gauge reach 6.3 metres.

By early Saturday afternoon, water levels at the gauge were creeping toward 6.0 metres. The River Forecast Centre estimates they could reach 6.4 metres on Sunday and 6.57 metres on Monday.

Residents in the flood plain have been advised to have a plan in place, including arrangements to stay with family or friends and preparing emergency kits with clothing, medication and other necessities.

The River Forecast Centre says persistent warmer than normal temperatures across British Columbia for the past three weeks have led to a much earlier than normal runoff period for the Fraser River.