Floodwaters push deeper into Abbotsford
A recent atmospheric river has unleashed days of heavy rain on the Lower Mainland, with Abbotsford taking the hardest hit. Floodwaters now push steadily across low-lying areas and have triggered a new wave of Abbotsford flooding evacuation orders.
City officials first issued an Evacuation Order on December 10, 2025, alongside a State of Local Emergency. The order targeted Sumas Prairie West, where rural properties, farms, and roads sit on vulnerable land. However, as the rain continued, the threat only grew.
At present, 371 properties in Sumas Prairie West remain under a formal Evacuation Order. Another 1,069 properties in Sumas Prairie East and West sit under an Evacuation Alert. These alerts reflect forecasts that the Nooksack River will crest near a major flood stage, raising fears of more overflow.
Nooksack River water crosses the border
Officials report that floodwaters from the Nooksack River have now begun to cross into Abbotsford. As a result, the city expanded its Abbotsford flooding evacuation orders beyond Sumas Prairie.
The updated order now covers 82 properties in Huntingdon Village, stretching up to 2nd Avenue and Sumas Way. Residents in the zone are told to leave immediately, secure important documents, and avoid driving through floodwater.
City updates say this flood is tracking similarly to the 1990 event. That flood came in below the devastating disaster of 2021, but officials stress that the risk remains serious. Even if levels stay below 2021 peaks, swift currents and road washouts can still threaten lives and livestock.
Affected families seek shelter
While the water rises, Abbotsford families are living with constant uncertainty. Evacuees have turned to the Abbotsford Recreation Centre, which now operates as a reception centre.
According to the city, 15 families spent the night at the centre after being forced from their homes. Staff there offer cots, food, and information while residents wait for news from emergency officials. The facility remains open for anyone affected by Abbotsford flooding evacuation orders.
For those still under alert rather than full order, officials urge preparation. Families are encouraged to pack go-bags, arrange pet and livestock care, and plan routes in case a late-night knock comes at the door. Every hour of early planning can reduce chaos when an order arrives.
Farmers race to move livestock
Farmers on Sumas Prairie once again face the nightmare of moving animals ahead of the water. Many are still recovering from the catastrophic 2021 flood that killed thousands of animals and damaged barns, fields, and equipment.
This time, farmers have acted early. Crews have been working through the night to haul animals to higher ground using stock trailers and trucks. In total, 165 farming operations with livestock fall within the evacuation area, 66 of which are already under Evacuation Order.
Each move is stressful and costly. Livestock must be loaded safely, moved to temporary barns, and cared for around the clock. Yet farmers say they cannot risk waiting, especially with forecasts showing river levels that could shift rapidly.
Highways cut and travel disrupted
The impact of this atmospheric river reaches beyond Abbotsford’s farms and neighbourhoods. The same storm has flooded and cut off several key highways that link Metro Vancouver to the Interior.
These closures slow the movement of emergency supplies, feed, and fuel. They also complicate evacuations as detours add time and distance to every trip. Motorists are urged to follow official traffic updates and avoid unnecessary travel through affected corridors.
Despite the challenges, emergency teams, volunteers, and residents are showing resilience. As Abbotsford flooding evacuation orders evolve, the community once again rallies to protect families, safeguard animals, and defend vital farmland from the advancing water.
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