December 15,2025
RED FM News Desk
Flood warnings, rainfall advisories, and travel alerts remain in effect across parts of B.C.’s Lower Mainland as officials continue to monitor the impacts of the region’s latest atmospheric river. While rainfall warnings have been lifted, Environment Canada has issued wind warnings for the eastern Fraser Valley and the Fraser Canyon.
Gusts reaching up to 100 km/h were possible Monday evening as a low-pressure system moved through the area. In Abbotsford, evacuation orders for 39 properties have been downgraded to alerts. Thirty-six properties remain under evacuation order, while 449 are currently on alert.
Improving conditions allowed some roads in the Sumas Prairie to reopen, though several remain closed or restricted to local traffic. Drivers are urged to follow traffic controls and avoid the area when possible. The Sumas border crossing has also reopened, according to DriveBC.
Power outages increased to about 90,000 customers Monday afternoon after strong winds swept across B.C.’s South Coast. BC Hydro says weakened trees from years of drought have contributed to widespread outages, with fallen trees damaging electrical equipment.
Approximately 50,000 customers remain without power in the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast, while around 40,000 are affected on Vancouver Island. BC Hydro crews are working to repair damaged infrastructure, with restoration efforts continuing through the night.
Residents are advised to report any downed power lines by calling 911 and to stay at least 10 metres away. Wind warnings caution that utility outages and transportation disruptions are possible, and people are urged to secure loose objects.
A special weather statement is also in effect for the Coquihalla Highway due to strong winds, with drivers advised to use caution in crosswind-prone areas and mountainous regions where conditions can change rapidly. Winds are expected to ease by late evening.
Provincial officials say river levels are beginning to peak and should start to recede within hours. Flood warnings remain in place for the North Shore Mountains and the Sumas and Chilliwack rivers, though no additional flooding from the Nooksack River is expected.
Looking ahead, unsettled weather is forecast for the rest of the week, but cooler temperatures mean higher elevations are more likely to see snow rather than rain.
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