B.C. set to use Alert Ready system when next storm strikes

More severe storm is forecast to hit southern coast on Tuesday

British Columbia is prepared to use a national emergency alert system ahead of what could be the most intense rainfall since a storm two weeks ago devastated communities and destroyed critical infrastructure, the government announced on Sunday.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth announced plans to use the Alert Ready system during a briefing on the ongoing storm series, which prompted new evacuation orders and saw a major river breached its banks and threaten parts of Abbotsford, B.C. on Sunday.

The second in a series of atmospheric rivers moved in Saturday and was still dumping rain in some areas 24 hours later, while a third and possibly more severe storm is forecast to arrive on the southern coast on Tuesday.

“We’re in the middle of one of the most intense series of storms that we have seen along coastal B.C.,” Farnworth said.

“More heavy rains mean people on the north, central, south coast, on Vancouver Island, in Abbotsford and the Sumas Prairie are facing an extremely volatile situation. Once again, it’s time to be ready.”

New evacuation orders were issued for 56 properties in the Petit Creek-Spius Creek area west of Merritt, B.C. Meanwhile, Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun announced the Nooksack River south of the U.S. border had breached its banks Sunday afternoon and the flood waters were on their way to Sumas Prairie.

Alert Ready is a Canada-wide system that allows government officials to issue public safety alerts through major television and radio broadcasters, as well as compatible wireless devices.

The system has been available since 2018, but B.C. has faced criticism for not using it to warn residents of deadly disasters this year, including the wildfire that all but destroyed Lytton, B.C., and the heat dome that led to hundreds of deaths.

Officials warned that the next storm could reach intensities similar to those seen in the downpour that destroyed highways, flooded communities and prompted mass evacuations two weeks ago. The next storm is due to strike the central coast Monday.