Closures of Chilliwack roads and schools on Monday, Nov. 15 due to record rains and slides are still wreaking havoc.
City of Chilliwack said this rainfall event exceeds a 1-in-100-year return period.
“This means local drainage systems are overwhelmed, especially in low lying areas, and people should expect localized flooding including wet yards and basements,” according to the Nov. 15 update.
City Hall is fielding “very high call volumes” and is working hard to prioritize calls.
“Many residents are experiencing flooding in basements and should take the appropriate measures to protect their homes with the use of sump pumps and/or sandbags.”
Residents are asked to avoid “non-essential” water use at the moment, such as laundry.
Here are some road updates:
On Vedder Road at Petawawa, a detour is now in place to allow essential traffic through.
“Avoid the area if you are able. If you must take this route, expect long delays,” according to City of Chilliwack flood update.
Vedder Road to Vedder Mtn Road: closed from Petawawa to Giesbrecht
Elk View Road: closed from Ryder Lake Road intersection (at the 3 way stop) to the second Ryder Lake Road.
Bowman Road: closed.
Majuba Hill Road: closed from Wilson Road to Nikada Drive.
Marble Hill Road: closed from Ramsay Place to the end of Ramsay.
Matheson Road: closed south of the recycling depot.
Upper Prairie Road: closed between Prairie Central Road and Patterson Road.
Prairie Central Road: closed between Upper Prairie Road and Patterson Road.
Old Orchard Road: re-opened.
Sandbags and sand are at Townsend Park.
Residents are asked to call in any mudslides, erosion or backed-up drains
All Chilliwack schools and daycares were closed in School District 33 on Nov. 15 after mudslides and flooding were reported in the wake of relentless rainfall over the weekend.
“Student and staff safety is paramount. Due to ongoing concerns with flooding at some sites and many roads, projected more rain this morning, we have determined that schools will be closed for students and staff today, Monday, November 15, 2021.
“All Rentals, Community Schools and Daycares are also closed.”
Between 90 and 160 mm fell across the Fraser Valley since Saturday night, with another 40 to 50 mm coming.
City of Chilliwack warned on its web page where flood and road updates will be posted: “Due to the extreme weather, flooding, and road closures, please stay home today if possible.”
A flood watch warning was issued for the Chilliwack/Vedder River system by the BC River Forecast Centre.
Parking areas along local greenways in Chilliwack were closed Sunday, as several areas close to the Chilliwack-Vedder River are under flood watch or alert.
Late Sunday night Fraser Valley Regional District opened its EOC: “As a result of heavy rainfall causing overland flooding and mudslides, the FVRD has activated its Emergency Operation Centre and a State of Local Emergency has been issued.
Those in need of emergency evacuation support, can call 604-845-8873 or 911.
Due to heavy rainfall causing overland flooding and mudslides, an Evacuation Order was issued for the following property in Electoral Area D:
53730 Bridal Falls Road (Camperland RV Resort & Cabins)
An Evacuation Order has also been issued in Electoral Area E (Chilliwack River Valley) for the following four properties:
Residents were asked to register with Emergency Support Services (ESS) to report they’ve left the area.
Highway 1, 3 and 7 are all closed due to the flooding, with several mud and rockslides reported along the routes connecting the Lower Mainland and the rest of mainland B.C.
Vehicles were forced off roads due to slides, and people are trapped in vehicles between slides.
Geotechnical experts will be examining the various areas Monday upon daylight.
Check back for more details as they become available.
RELATED: B.C. warned to brace for more rain
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