Highway 1 has been closed Monday night (Nov. 15) in Abbotsford.

The province initially said the closure would take place at 7 p.m., but social media posts indicate it has been done sooner. The closure is necessary due to rising waters on the Sumas River and is in both directions between Sumas Way (Highway 11) and No. 3 Road.

The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) reported at about 5:30 p.m. that the flood waters have breached the highway east of Whatcom Road.

They said they are continuing to evacuate stranded motorists, have cleared a 鈥渓arge amount鈥� of passenger vehicles and are working to clear commercial vehicles.

The APD also advised that motorists attempting to get through Abbotsford to Chilliwack and Hope won鈥檛 be able to because no back routes or detours are open due to an evacuation order for Sumas Prairie.

Highway 7 also remains closed due to flooding and debris.

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure staff will continue to monitor the highway and they say will reopen it as soon as there is no threat to safety.

The announcement was made at 4 p.m. on Monday.

More to come.

鈿狅笍 - CLOSED in both directions in between Sumas Way and No. 3 Rd due to flooding. Estimated time of opening unavailable, please avoid the area. 鈿狅笍

鈥� DriveBC (@DriveBC)

Motorists attempting to get through Abbotsford into the Eastern Fraser Valley tonight (Chilliwack & Hope) wont be able to pass though Abbotsford. No backroads or detours are available as Sumas Prairie is under Evacuation Order

鈥� Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept)

HIGHWAY ALERT - The AbbyPD has closed Hwy #1 East / West bound (Sumas to No 3Rd). Heavy water flows east of Whatcom Road have breached the Hwy. Emergency crews are on scene attempting to clear the stopped vehicle traffic. Please exit the highway west of Mt Lehman

鈥� Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept)

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