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City of Chilliwack downgrades Yarrow evacuation order to evacuation alert

The change means residents can go home, but be prepared to leave immediately if conditions worsen
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The City of Chilliwack has downgraded the evacuation ‘order’ for Yarrow and Majuba Hill to an evacuation ‘alert,’ except for nine addresses.

Those are 3630 Sand Road along with 3510, 3480, 3410, and 3300 Boundary Road and 41375, 41419, 41475 and 41509 No. 5 Road. While those nine properties remain under evacuation order, an evacuation alert means residents can return to their homes, but be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

Livestock already evacuated from Yarrow should remain safely out of the area until the alert is rescinded.

Several positive factors led to the City’s decision.

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The water in the Nooksack River is dropping considerably, which will diminish flow into Abbotsford.

The Fraser River continues to drop and officials estimate that by tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 18) they should be able to open the flood gates, which will further reduce water levels.

The pumps are also working at Abbotsford’s Barrowtown pump station.

In a worst-case scenario where those pumps stop working, the water will rise very slowly, giving Yarrow residents an opportunity to leave the area safely.

Keith Wilson Road and Vedder Mountain Road are open. Heavy trucks, such as fuel and feed trucks are asked to only use Keith Wilson Road to enter Yarrow. RCMP officers will be at checkpoints to ensure residents remain aware of the evacuation alert.

Updates will be posted online at chilliwack.com/FloodWatch.


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eric.welsh@theprogress.com

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Eric Welsh

About the Author: Eric Welsh

I joined the Chilliwack Progress in 2007, originally hired as a sports reporter.
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