The B.C. River Forecast Centre has downgraded Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast to a high streamflow advisory.
The advisory follows a period when the areas were covered by a flood watch and a flood warning around the Englishman River in Parksville because of recent heavy rain.
A high streamflow advisory indicates that although river levels may climb quickly, major floods are not forecast, though low-lying areas could experience minor flooding. The centre said most rivers have peaked and are receding but flows remain high.
Monday’s conditions prompted an evacuation order along the Chemainus River, authorities said, as rapidly rising water levels threatened properties. Roads remain affected in the area as river levels recede.
The Regional District of Nanaimo has also issued an evacuation order for one property at the Pathfinder Resort in Parksville because of flooding on the Englishman River.
Evacuation alerts were issued by the Regional District of Nanaimo for properties in Electoral Area G near the Englishman River and for other properties near the Nanaimo River in Cedar. The Evacuation Alert for Area G properties was rescinded Tuesday afternoon.
“Heavy rainfall and snowmelt over the past three days have led to high flows across the region,” said a B.C. River Forecast Centre statement. “Rainfall rates have eased, with light rain possible in areas on Tuesday morning before tapering off Tuesday afternoon.”
The evacuation order for properties near the Chemainus River was rescinded Monday afternoon, though the evacuation order near the Englishman and Nanaimo rivers were still in effect as of Tuesday morning. The Evacuation Alert for Area G was rescinded on Tuesday.
