A state of emergency is in place in the Fraser Valley Regional District, as landslides wipe out highways and power lines in the Fraser Valley.
In Hope, a widespread power outage is affecting about 6,000 customers as of Monday at noon, with no timeline for restoration. A large section of the Coquihalla has been washed away at Othello Road.
Some residents are reporting spotty internet coverage, and some telephone circuits are overwhelmed.
The following is a list of important information for those in the Hope area. This list will be updated as more information becomes available:
UPDATE:
The District of Hope has posted online that anyone who has medical oxygen needs, should go to Hope Secondary School (444 Stuart) with equipment and all your medications.
Camp Hope:
Camp Hope on Hwy. 1 is opening its doors to those stranded between Seabird and Ruby Creek. Call 604-869-2615.
Highway closures:
Three separate slides continue to close the Coquihalla and Hwy. 1 just north east of the Lower Mainland.
The Coquihalla is closed in both directions between Hope and Merritt, with the mudslide that caused the closure between Exit 202 and Exit 217, about eight kilometres south of the Great Bear Rainshed.
There is also a slide on Highway 1 near Popkum, which is why the highway is closed at Annis Road. Drivers heading east to Hope will need to detour to Yale Road and through Rosedale to the Lougheed Highway.
Highway 7 remains closed as two slides have come down along the stretch between Seabird Island and Hope. There are an estimated 80 vehicles trapped between the slides.
Flooding:
Flood Watch in effect in the Hope area for tributaries including the Coquihalla River and Silver-Hope Creek. The public is reminded to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period and adhere to local road closures in place.
Power outage:
No updates available as of 11:30 a.m. Monday. About 6,000 Hope and area customers are currently without power, due to landslide damage to BC Hydro equipment.
There are new power outages Monday, including Fraser Canyon from Hope to Yale.
Evacuation alert:
The District of Hope is currently alerting residents in the areas of Riverview Drive, Glenaire Drive, Robertson Crescent, Forest Crescent and a few properties on Old Hope Princeton Way along the Coquihalla River to be prepared to leave. Currently the reception centre to register is the Grace Baptist Church, 949 3rd Ave.
Evacuation reception centres:
Grace Baptist Church (949 3rd Ave) and Hope Secondary School (444 Stuart St.) are open if you leave your home at this time.
River safety:
Coquihalla River and Silver-Hope Creek remain high and fast flowing. Residents are reminded to stay clear of fast moving water and river banks. District of Hope staff continue to monitor the situation.
Weather outlook:
Rainfall warning in effect:
Total rainfall near 140 to 180 mm for Metro Vancouver, western Fraser Valley, Whistler, Howe Sound and parts of the Sunshine Coast; total rainfall up to 250 mm for central and eastern Fraser Valley by this evening (Nov. 15)
A significant atmospheric river event continues to bringing copious amounts of rain to the B.C. south coast today. Heavy rain will continue this morning and ease this afternoon as the system moves inland.
This long episode of heavy rain could result in possible washouts, debris flow and pooling water as rising freezing levels will also melt snow at higher elevations. Local river levels will rise and river flows will increase as a result of the heavy rain.
Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
Wind warning in effect for Hope:
Strong winds are expected this afternoon. Westerly winds of 70 km/h gusting to 90.
With the passage of a cold front today, westerly winds will increase to 70 km/h gusting to 90 this afternoon near Hope. The winds will ease early this evening.
Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break.
@CHWKcommunity
jessica.peters@hopestandard.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Want to support local journalism during the pandemic? Make a donation here.