A third atmospheric river that originated in the area of the Philippines is expected to arrive on the Lower Mainland on Nov. 30 and soak the Fraser Valley and the Coquihalla region through the day with heavy precipitation
As exceptionally wet weather continues to soak southwestern B.C., the provincial government has extended the state of emergency and limitations on fuel access for coastal regions.
The fuel order, which restricts fuel purchases to 30 litres per visit in certain areas of the province, has been extended until Dec. 14. The order applies to the Lower Mainland, Sea to Sky region, Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island.
The provincial state of emergency, enacted in response to flooding and mudslide events, has also been extended to Dec. 14.
On Tuesday, Nov. 30, B.C. is expecting yet another atmospheric rain event and the potential for more mudslides and flooding. Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said the weather continues to be a challenge.
“But we are meeting that challenge,” he said.
On Monday, Fleming said some highway routes were proactively closed over the weekend due to the threat of flooding and debris.
But at least one route, Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton, has since reopened. Fleming said that with Highway 7 open from Mission to Hope, commercial traffic can traverse from Mission to Princeton.
Highway 99 has also re-opened from Pemberton to Lillooet and Highway 1 is open from Hope to Boothroyd.
Highway 1 east of Chilliwack, from Popkum to Hope, remains closed, as does the section of the route north of Boothroyd.
CP Rail has resumed freight operations and CN Rail managed to move seven trains westbound before shutting down once again due to wet weekend weather.
Fleming is urging people to stay off the roads in the coming days unless absolutely necessary.
A third atmospheric river that originated in the area of the Philippines is expected to arrive on the Lower Mainland on Tuesday and soak the Fraser Valley and the Coquihalla region through the day with heavy precipitation.
