All Highways from Lower Mainland Closed Amid Flooding, Avalanche Risk

URGENT UPDATE: All highways linking the Lower Mainland to the rest of British Columbia are now completely or partially closed due to severe flooding, rockfall, and increasing avalanche risks. The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit issued this critical highway closure bulletin at 9:19 p.m. on Wednesday evening.

As heavy rain continues and conditions worsen, officials warn that no estimated timeline for reopening has been established. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant as the situation evolves rapidly. Significant closures include:

– Highway 1 eastbound at Highway 9
– Highway 1 in both directions between Hope and Lytton
– Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton
– Highway 5 (Coquihalla) between Hope and Merritt
– Highway 7 west of Hope (between Highway 9 and Ross Road)
– Highway 11 at the Sumas border crossing (closed to commercial traffic; open to local traffic only)
– Highway 99 between Mt. Currie and Lillooet

In addition, an evacuation alert has been issued for a large area of the Sumas Prairie in the Fraser Valley, indicating the severity of the situation. These closures mirror disruptions experienced during previous extreme weather events, underscoring the need for caution.

Maintenance contractors and Ministry crews are actively monitoring affected routes to assess hazards and clear debris where feasible. Work crews are on standby, ready to initiate reopening efforts as soon as conditions improve. However, safety remains the utmost priority, and drivers are strongly encouraged to avoid non-essential travel.

Residents are urged to stay informed by monitoring traffic updates and preparing for possible prolonged disruptions. With the impact of flooding and avalanche risks, the community’s safety is at the forefront of officials’ concerns.

Stay tuned for further updates as this developing situation unfolds.