Urgent: Highway 1 Closed in Abbotsford Due to Severe Flooding

UPDATE: Highway 1 in Abbotsford is CLOSED in both directions due to severe flooding as water breaches the roadway. Authorities confirmed the closure between Whatcom Road and Sumas Way, urging drivers to seek alternate routes immediately.

The City of Abbotsford announced that the Ministry of Transportation and Transit implemented the closure out of concern for public safety. Evacuation orders have been issued for seven properties located north of Highway 1, which include the Clarion Hotel at 36035 N. Parallel Road and several other critical sites. Residents are advised to evacuate promptly.

Currently, an evacuation order also remains in place for 371 properties in Sumas Prairie West, while evacuation alerts affect an additional 1,069 properties in both Sumas Prairie East and West. Emergency services, including the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Services and Abbotsford Police Department, are actively engaged in the affected areas to ensure compliance with evacuation orders and assist residents.

Authorities are stressing the importance of public safety and urging residents to avoid all waterways and refrain from driving through water-covered roads or bridges. “We are monitoring the situation closely,” a city representative stated, emphasizing the dangers posed by flooding.

Emergency Operations Centre staff are on high alert, continuously monitoring river levels, dikes, and road conditions. Crews are deployed throughout the community to clear catch basins and assess local flooding conditions. If residents notice any clogged storm drains or flooded roads, they are encouraged to report these issues immediately by calling 604-853-5485 during the day or 604-864-5552 after hours, or by using the Abbotsford mobile app.

This developing situation highlights the urgent need for residents to stay informed and prepared. The city is providing an interactive map detailing evacuation zones and road conditions to help residents navigate the crisis. As the situation unfolds, more updates will be provided.

Stay tuned for further developments as authorities continue to assess the flooding impact and respond accordingly.