By Canadian Press

Evacuation alert issued for Barnston Island along B.C.’s Fraser River

Jun 30, 2022 | 11:17 AM

VANCOUVER — An evacuation alert has been issued for a small island along British Columbia’s Fraser River due to possible flooding from swelling waters after rainfall and snowmelt.

Metro Vancouver has issued the alert for Barnston Island, home to about 150 people.

It says in a statement the evacuation alert is a precautionary measure, which means residents are not required to leave but should be prepared to do so at short notice.

Metro Vancouver says a local state of emergency has been declared to restrict access to the island in case residents must evacuate, while Barnston Island Regional Park is closed.   

The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a flood watch for the Upper Fraser River including areas from Prince George and upstream tributaries through the Robson Valley and the McGregor River.

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It is maintaining a high streamflow advisory for West Road River including tributaries and streams around Nazko.

The centre says rapid snowmelt earlier this week, combined with up to 40 millimetres of rain, has contributed to increased runoff and rising flows through the region.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2022.

The Canadian Press