The Fraser Valley remains on flood watch on Tuesday (Jan. 30) after recent warm temperatures and heavy rain have caused river levels to rise.
As of Monday at 5:15 p.m., the BC River Forecast Centre maintained a flood watch advisory for the Sumas River and Fraser Valley north, while Fraser Valley east has a high streamflow advisory.
According to the advisory, storms have dropped between 80 and 300 mm of rain on coastal B.C. since Friday (Jan. 26). Meanwhile, Abbotsford broke a 64-year-old temperature record for Jan. 29 on Monday, reaching 18.2 degrees. The previous record was 15.6 degrees set in 1960.
The centre expects river levels to peak in most areas early in the week but could extend to Thursday (Feb. 1) for lake-driven rivers.
Abbotsford has experienced localized flooding in some areas due to the Sumas River. The city closed Straiton Road from Willet to Clayburn Road and has also closed three parks – Willband Creek Park, MacDonald Park and Hougen Park — on Monday.
Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens spoke on the Sumas River Dike on Monday about the need for enhanced long-term flood mitigation in Abbotsford to protect the community and provincial food supply from flooding disasters.
READ MORE: Abbotsford, Fraser Valley remain under flood watch