Image: Heavy rain pounds the Vedder River Bridge in Chilliwack on December 10, 2025. / City of Chilliwack webcam
Atmospheric River

Chilliwack – Abbotsford warns residents to stay back from high water

Dec 10, 2025 | 11:59 AM

CHILLIWACK — As heavy rains continue to fall across the eastern section of the Fraser Valley, the City of Chilliwack and the City of Abbotsford are warning residents of the dangers associated with rising water levels in the region.

A Flood Watch has been issued for the Fraser Valley by the BC River Forecast Centre. Civic officials in Abbotsford say the atmospheric river system has already led to some localized flooding in low-lying areas of the city. More flooding is expected as the rains persist.

Officials with the city say they are keeping a close eye on the Nooksack River across the international border in Whatcom County over fears it will overflow. If it does, officials warn the high water could lead to flooding of the Vye, Boundary and Angus Campbell roads.

Abbotsford’s Emergency Operations Centre has been activated and will be staffed 24 hours a day at the Barrowtown Pump Station and across the city. Clayburn Road is already closed between Highway 11 and Wright Street and more road closures are expected due to the high water.

The City of Chilliwack is also warning its residents of localized flooding, reduced visibility and trail closures because of the weather system.

Both cities are warning people to stay away from the banks of rivers, creeks, ditches any fast-moving water over high-water safety concerns. They’re also asking drivers to avoid travelling through large puddles that have developed on roads.

Environment Canada says the weather system could dump up to 130 mm of rain on the Fraser Valley before conditions improve Thursday.