Another front arrived at the B.C. south coast today, and Environment Canada warned in a special weather statement for the Coquihalla region — that rainfall will become heavy tonight. Total rainfall amounts by Sunday night will be 40-60 mm over the western and upslope sections of the highways, though areas north of Coquihalla Summit are expected to receive lesser amounts.

Strong warming will accompany this system causing freezing levels to rise well above the mountain tops this evening and Sunday. Snowmelt will contribute to runoff, increasing the risk of flooding and possibly impacting vulnerable landscape and infrastructure.

Based on this weather outlook, and modelling from the River Forecast Centre, the heavy rainfall in the Southern Interior poses a potential threat to people and property in the Coldwater and Lower Nicola watersheds. At 3:15pm today, TNRD issued an evacuation alert for  Electoral Areas “I” (Blue Sky Country), “M” (Beautiful Nicola Valley – North); and “N” (Beautiful Nicola Valley – South), so that residents in low-laying areas adjacent to vulnerable rivers, streams, and creeks can prepare to evacuate their premises or property should it be necessary.

The following 49 addressed properties remain on evacuation order as previously issued:
• 2500 Cleasby Rd;
• 3121 Coldwater Rd
• 4900 and 4930 Dot Ranch Cut-Off Rd;
• 5080 Dot Ranch Cut-Off Rd;
• 5100 Dot Ranch Cut-Off Rd;
• 5200 and 5240 Dot Ranch Cut-Off Rd;
• 4141 FX Ranch Rd;
• 2185 Graham Rd;
• 5260 to 5580 Manning Creek FSR;
• 2972 Merritt-Spences Bridge Hwy 8;
• 5265 Merritt-Spences Bridge Hwy 8;
• 7210 Merritt-Spences Bridge Hwy 8;
• 7380 Merritt-Spences Bridge Hwy 8;
• 7620 to 8100 Merritt-Spences Bridge Hwy 8;
• 8600 to 9100 Merritt-Spences Bridge Hwy 8;
• 9300 to 9989 Merritt-Spences Bridge Hwy 8;
• 10300 and 10320 Merritt-Spences Bridge Hwy 8;
• 818 Midday Valley Rd;
• 700 and 750 Neilson St;
• 800 and 840 Neilson St;
• 973 Nielson St;
• 5144 Railway Dr; and
• 1096 Spence Rd