A state of emergency has been declared in the Cowichan Valley due to widespread flooding that closed several roads, including the Trans-Canada Highway.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District declared a state of local emergency on Saturday morning.
UPDATE - The state of local emergency in the Cowichan Valley continues this morning, but water flows in several of the key watersheds in the region appear to have stabilized. For more information:
— myCVRD (@mycvrd)
Twenty-three people were moved to safety on Friday night. Some were able to stay with family and friends, while others spent the night at the emergency reception centre at the Cowichan Community Centre for any affected residents.
The CVRD encourages residents in affected areas who require emergency evacuation assistance to call 911. The district will be posting updates .
The Trans-Canada Highway near Duncan was closed in both directions for several hours due to flooding. The highway between Duncan and Chemainus reopened about 10:40 a.m.
the road is now fully OPEN between and after flooding has been cleared up. Please expect delays.
— DriveBC VI (@DriveBC_VI)
Other roads closures include Westholme Road, Chemainus Road, Canada Avenue, Mary Street, Tzouhalem Road. Check the for the most up-to-date information.
In Greater Victoria, there was single lane, alternating traffic in the northbound lane of the Trans-Canada at McKenzie Avenue. One southbound lane is open.
UPDATE - NB OPEN to single lane alternating traffic at in due to flooding. SB is open with one lane. Detour via bus route next to highway. Next update 12pm.
— DriveBC VI (@DriveBC_VI)
For more info:
Environment Canada pinned the problem on an atmospheric river of subtropical moisture from the Pacific, bringing rainfall totals ranging from 60 to 120 millimetres for Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Island, Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and up the Howe Sound to Whistler.
The River Forecast Centre has issued flood watches, warning that rivers and streams could exceed their banks in southern and western Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Island, Metro Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»and the Fraser Valley.
Flood Warning issued for South & West Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Island. Flood Watch issued for Eastern Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Island. More details at:
— Emergency Info BC (@EmergencyInfoBC)
— With a file from The Canadian Press
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