B.C. Flood Warning: Evacuation alerts issued for Abbotsford's Sumas Prairie West and Clayburn Village

The City of Abbotsford has issued evacuation alerts for properties in Sumas Prairie West and Clayburn Village.

This follows a flood warning issued earlier today by the B.C. River Forecast Centre and further conversations with the provincial government, whose modelling information shows that the flooding may be more than what was seen in 2020, but not as significant as the 2021 event.

The 2021 flooding of the Sumas Prairie led to six deaths and the loss of hundreds of thousands of farm animals.

The City of Abbotsford remains in contact with Whatcom County in Washington state, through which the Nooksack River flows.

When flooded, the Nooksack River overflows into the Sumas Prairie. It is expected to overtop its banks this afternoon and overflow water will take approximately seven hours t