Heavy rain warnings, flood watch in B.C. as atmospheric river systems move in

VANCOUVER — Much of British Columbia’s south coast and parts of the southern Interior are under rain warnings as a series of atmospheric river systems hit the province.

Environment Canada says the heaviest rainfall is forecast for the eastern Fraser Valley, from Chilliwack east along the Highway 3 corridor to Princeton, where as much as 110 millimetres are expected.

Metro Vancouver, excluding Richmond and Delta, is also under a warning with rainfall likely to reach as much as 70 millimetres.

Rain warnings also cover western Vancouver Island, Howe Sound, parts of the Sunshine Coast, the Sea to Sky Highway, the Coquihalla Highway, Fraser Canyon, the Kootenays and Elk Valley near the Alberta boundary.

Travel is expected to be hampered on Highway 1 from Sicamous to Golden, as well as in Yoho and Kootenay national parks, as the same weather system is bringing up to 40 centimetres of snow to the area.

The B.C. government has issued a notice that the Fraser Valley area stretching into Metro Vancouver is under a flood watch, and people are urged to be cautious.

Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Hope are all under flood watch, and people living near the river in those communities are asked to prepare emergency kits, move assets to higher ground and closely monitor the situation.

“Heavier rainfall south of the border may lead to flooding along the Nooksack River, with a potential for spilling into the Sumas River,” said a statement from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

“The highest river levels are currently expected around the Fraser Valley, including the Chilliwack River and surrounding areas.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2025.