Our thoughts are with all affected by the devastating heavy rains, strong winds, flooding and landslides in the province of British Columbia. 

The Southern B.C. atmospheric river has deposited a full months' worth of rain over a two-day period resulting in what is being reported by Provincial Premier John Horgan as a 500-year flood event. This has washed out and closed multiple highways and rail lines; created landslides that have resulted in at least one fatality; flooded multiple communities leaving people stranded and prompting widespread evacuations; and led to a declaration of a Provincial State of Emergency. In addition, other communities are cut off without power in winter climates, with dwindling food supplies.

Merritt, Princeton, and Abbotsford are under evacuation orders, while both Canadian Pacific Rail and Canadian National Railway report that their lines into Vancouver remain unusable. Provincial Agriculture Minister Lana Popham reports that thousands of animals have died and many more will likely be lost as efforts to save stranded residents continue. 

Flood Warnings and Advisories - River Forecast Centre - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

The following B.C. Highways are closed as of the drafting of this message (Drive B.C.):

• B.C. Hwy 1 – Agassiz B.C. to Spences Bridge B.C.
• B.C. Hwy 3 -  Sunshine Valley B.C. & East of Princeton B.C.  
• B.C. Hwy 5 – Hope BC to Merritt B.C.
• B.C. Hwy 7 – Maple Ridge B.C. to Hope B.C.
• B.C. Hwy 11 – Mission B.C. to Abbotsford B.C.
• B.C. Hwy 93 – Radium Hot Springs to Banff

Charles Taylor Adjusting remain on-site in B.C. to assist with any insurance-related claims; please reach out to Chris Lockwood or Eric Renteria via the details below.

Contact us:

Chris Lockwood
Assistant Vice President
C: +1 604 364 6286
chris.lockwood@charlestaylor.com

Eric Renteria
Loss Adjuster
C: +1 604 369 0995
eric.renteria@charlestaylor.com

Trans Canada Highway (Hway 1) near Lytton, B.C., courtesy of the British Columbia Transportation Ministry

Sumas Prairie, Abbotsford on Tuesday morning, courtesy of the City of Abbotsford on Twitter

Coquihalla Highway (Hwy 5) at Exit 202, courtesy of the British Columbia Transportation Ministry