Washington predicts the river connected to Abbotsford will flood again on Sunday (PHOTOS)
Forces of nature do not tend to recognize international borders. So when Whatcom County, bordering BC, warns of potential flooding, it is important for British Columbians to listen.
According to their update, US officials say the Nooksack River will reach a “moderate state of flooding” on Sunday, November 28th.
Washington State National Guard will be on standby ahead of time to assist with sandbags and move supplies.
“Damage to levee systems from previous storms can have a greater impact on floodplains than would normally be the case at these river levels,” said an update from Whatcom County.
They anticipate that based on their latest flood models, the forecast currents will be high enough to hit Sumas.
If you look at a map of Whatcom County and where it meets Abbotsford, you can see how the nearby Nooksack River connects to the Sumas River.
If the nooksack overflows, it can overflow into the Sumas. This is exactly what happened during the November 14-16th atmospheric river event that flooded parts of the Fraser Valley.
The Veterans Assistance Fund, administered by the Whatcom County Health Department, is available to assist eligible veterans affected by this week’s floods. Details here: https://t.co/MSkpQYyVrE pic.twitter.com/nQ1XXDYOQ8
– Whatcom County Gov (@Whatcomctygov) November 18, 2021
Where I grew up. This is not the first time this has happened. Washington State needs to repair its Nooksack River levee and levy situation pic.twitter.com/kMwIBAeDdv
– Coquihalla warriors. (@theofaber) November 19, 2021
The information from our neighbors to the south reflects what Canada said on Friday the 26th.
Currently, the River Forecast Center has a flood warning in effect for the Sumas River and the surrounding area, including the still-flooded Sumas Prairie.
Warnings are in effect as the next storm has arrived on the north coast. The Fraser Valley can fall 50-70mm of rain through Friday, November 26-21. This can make conditions worse in previously affected areas.
Even more heavy rain this weekend.
Warnings: https://t.co/PJB6lfNKdu#BCStorm pic.twitter.com/5D4Pn3DnWZ
– ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) November 24, 2021
At the moment, Metro Vancouver is subject to a rain warning with 60mm of rain in Vancouver and up to 80mm in Fraser Valley.
You can follow Environment Canada and check the latest weather warnings and warnings for more local information.