British Columbia is bracing for another round of potentially severe flooding as a powerful atmospheric river takes aim at the already waterlogged province. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a "high impact" weather warning for the South Coast and parts of the Interior, forecasting intense rainfall that could trigger further flooding and landslides.
Storm System Threatens Saturated Ground
The new storm, forecast for the coming days, follows significant flooding events earlier in the month. On Friday, December 12, 2025, parts of Abbotsford, B.C., were inundated, with scenes of debris like tables and bins caught in flooded fields captured by photographers. The ground across many regions remains supersaturated, meaning it has little capacity to absorb more water, dramatically increasing the risk of rapid runoff and flash flooding.
Provincial officials and emergency management teams are on high alert. The concern is that this incoming system could exacerbate existing damage and create new trouble spots. Highway 1 and other key transportation corridors have seen partial closures and are under constant assessment, with more preemptive closures likely as the rain begins.
Recovery Efforts Face New Challenge
This forecast presents a major setback for communities still recovering from the previous floods. The focus has shifted from cleanup back to immediate protection and preparedness. Sandbagging stations have been reopened in vulnerable areas, and residents are being urged to prepare emergency kits and have evacuation plans ready.
The situation highlights the increasing volatility of weather patterns in the region. Scientists have long linked more intense atmospheric river events to a warming climate, which allows these "rivers in the sky" to carry more moisture. This series of storms so close together underscores the growing challenge of climate resilience for B.C. communities.
What Residents Need to Know
Authorities are advising the public to take the following precautions:
- Monitor local alerts and updates from official sources like Emergency Info BC.
- Avoid non-essential travel, especially near rivers, streams, and areas prone to landslides.
- Check road conditions before heading out, as closures can happen quickly.
- Secure property and move valuables to higher ground if in a flood-prone zone.
The province is coordinating resources, including the potential deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces for assistance, should the situation deteriorate. The coming 48 to 72 hours will be critical in determining the full impact of this latest atmospheric river on British Columbia's landscape and its people.
