On January 12, 2026 (updated Jan. 13, 2026), the BC River Forecast Centre issued a Flood Warning for the Englishman River. Although the Englishman River is near Parksville (about 50 km east of Port Alberni), the Alberni Valley Emergency Program (AVEP) — a joint initiative of the City of Port Alberni and the Alberni‑Clayoquot Regional District — issued a localized advisory for Port Alberni residents to monitor rising water because heavy rain and saturated soils across the region can produce “trickle-down” impacts to nearby watersheds.
The Alberni Valley Emergency Program and the City of Port Alberni are asking residents to stay clear of fast‑flowing water and potentially unstable river banks. The BC River Forecast Centre and local officials say water levels in parts of the region are expected to reach roughly 5‑to‑10‑year flow return periods because the ground is already saturated and cannot absorb more rain, which increases rapid runoff into local streams. Residents living near rivers and low‑lying areas should be prepared for possible road closures or water entering properties.
Local emergency officials are advising people in flood‑prone areas to have a packed bag or “grab‑and‑go” kit ready in case they need to leave quickly. For more information on how the region plans for and manages high‑water events, see the Somass Watershed Flood Management Plan. Emergency crews and the AVEP continue to monitor conditions and will provide updates if the situation deteriorates.
