Thread by @richardzussman

This will be my thread for the flood update from the province. Starting now. #bcflooding #BCStorm

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth send condolences to the person who died on Highway 99. Holding back tears. Asking people who believe loved ones are missing to reach out to RCMP. #bcpoli

Farnworth says travel warnings were sent out regularly on weekend. Says impacts were greater than expected. Says more than 20 receptions centres are open. #bcpoli

NEW - All stranded residents have now been rescued from highways following slides. #bcpoli

People are sleeping at church and high school in Hope. EMBC is working on getting cots and food. There is an access road being worked on now to connect Hope to Lower Mainland. #bcpoli

Farnworth - "What we are seeing is a natural disaster. Now is not the time to travel." #BCStorm

Transportation Minister Rob Fleming says there will be 'many weeks of recovery'. Calls this the worst storm in a century. Assessments are being done now on when it may be safe to re-open highways. #bcpoli

Fleming says contractors have the heavy equipment ready to clear roads. Says the priority is to open road ways back up to support supply chain. #bcpoli

Fleming says it looks like highway 3 could be the quickest road to re-open to allow for greater connections between Vancouver and the Interior. #bcpoli

Highway 3 fly over is completed. Contractor has been able to get equipment to the area once geo assessment is done. At that point timeline will be clear. #bcpoli

The Malahat has been operating single lane traffic since 8am this morning. There will be 6pm to 6am closures for the next week. Brentwood Bay sailings will increase at night. #bcpoli

River levels are starting to drop. Flood peaks have been hit. High flows are remaining in place through Merritt and Coldwater. #bcpoli

Mike Farnworth says the province is considering a state of emergency. This would provide ability to protect supply chains and ban non-essential travel. #bcpoli

On timing of being able to leave Hope, Farnworth says it is not clear. Says people in the community are being fed and have a place to eat. #bcpoli

Farnworth asking people to be patient around supply chains. Says they are working on clearing trucks routes to ensure goods and supplies can move. #bcpoli