Flood Advisories: Prepare for potential flooding and travel disruptions

Updated: November 11, 2026 at 9 a.m.

Residents and visitors in Electoral Areas C and D should prepare for potential flooding as heavy rain affects the Pemberton Valley, Howe Sound and Sea-to-Sky areas.

The BC River Forecast Centre has upgraded the Pemberton Valley, including the Lillooet River and its tributaries, to a Flood Warning. A Flood Warning means river levels have exceeded their banks or will do so very soon, resulting in flooding in nearby areas.

A Flood Watch remains in effect for the South Coast, including Howe Sound and Sea-to-Sky. A Flood Watch means river levels are rising and may overflow their banks. Flooding may occur in areas near affected rivers.

As of 9 a.m. on November 11, 2026, the SLRD has NOT issued an Evacuation Alert or Order.

Residents and visitors in Electoral Areas C and D should prepare for potential flooding and travel disruptions. Anyone planning to travel through the affected areas should check conditions before leaving.

Rivers in the Pemberton Valley have been rising rapidly since late Tuesday night. Continued rainfall and additional snowmelt are expected to cause further rises in river levels through Thursday, November 12.

Heavy rain and high river levels increase the risk of flooding, unstable riverbanks, erosion and landslides. Debris and water flowing over land may affect properties, roads and access routes, including outside areas immediately beside rivers. Conditions can change quickly.

A Flood Warning or Flood Watch is different from an Evacuation Alert or Order. Stay informed, prepare to leave if needed and follow directions from local authorities.

If you live in an area that could be affected by flooding, please take steps to prepare now:

• Pack a grab-and-go bag for each household member with essential medication, important documents, clothing, food, water and a phone charger.
• Plan where you could go and how you would get there if you need to leave. Arrange transportation early if you need help.
• Plan for pets and livestock, including transportation and somewhere safe for them to stay.
• Keep phones charged and vehicles fuelled or charged. Make sure vehicles are parked away from streams and waterways. 
• Move important belongings to watertight containers and store in high places like a tall shelf of upper floor. 
• Keep the nearby storm drains clear of debris, if it is safe to do so. 
• Check on neighbours, family members and others who may need help preparing.

If you anticipate that flooding or loss of road access could create difficulties for your household, contact the SLRD 24/7 Duty Officer now at 604-384-7357. This is particularly important if you have medical or mobility concerns, rely on powered medical equipment, or may need help with transportation.

Let staff know your location, how to reach you and what assistance you may need. Contacting the SLRD early helps identify potential support needs if flooding occurs. Do not wait until access to your property is cut off.

Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical help. This includes situations where current flooding prevents you from leaving your property safely and you need emergency assistance. Do not attempt to walk or drive through floodwater to reach safety.

Flooding and landslides can affect your route even if your home or destination is outside the affected area. Roads may close with little warning, and alternate routes may be limited. Stay away from riverbanks, fast-moving water and areas affected by landslides or debris.

• Check DriveBC and weather forecasts before leaving and monitor updates when safely stopped.
  • BC Gov News release: People advised to plan for storm, possible flood conditions on South Coast highways
• Consider postponing non-essential travel through affected areas during heavy rain.
• Carry emergency supplies and essential medication in case you are delayed.
• Let someone know your route and expected arrival time.
• Follow road closures, barriers and directions from emergency personnel.
• Never drive across flooded roads, bridges or river crossings. Water can hide washed-out pavement and other hazards.

Sign up for SLRD Alert, powered by Voyent Alert!, to receive emergency notifications.

Download the free Voyent Alert! app and complete registration, including adding your home and other locations you want to receive alerts for. You can also register to receive notifications by text message, phone call or email.

Know what to do if an evacuation is required

• Evacuation Alert: Be ready to leave on short notice.
• Evacuation Order: You are at risk. Leave immediately and follow the directions provided.
  Conditions may change too quickly for an evacuation alert to be issued before an order. If you feel unsafe, leave early while your route is safe. Do not wait for an official notification if you are in immediate danger.

Residents within municipalities and First Nations communities should also follow updates from their municipality or Nation as they may differ from alerts or orders that the SLRD has.