Evacuation warning as rivers rise near Port Alberni
PORT ALBERNI, B.C. — The Tseshaht First Nation on central Vancouver Island says the Somass River rose rapidly Monday night and continues to swell today, threatening flooding in the community.
Emergency Preparedness Co-ordinator Hugh Braker says residents have been warned to be ready to evacuate their homes.
He says highways crews are posting signs warning of flooding on Highway 4, just west of Port Alberni, as the water has reached the edge of the road.
Braker says travel along the Pacific Rim Highway, the only route to and from Tofino and Ucluelet, could be reduced to single-lane traffic.