"Stick to essential travel": Drivers warned as Vancouver set to see 10X more snow than last week
It’s been a stressful week for Metro Vancouver so far, with bone-chillingly cold temperatures, snow, and lots and lots of crashes on the roads.
While many are still filing their ICBC claims from last week, a warning is out that another snowstorm is just a few hours away, and drivers especially are urged to take note.
When will it snow in Vancouver?
Meteorologists say that the flakes will start to fall Tuesday night, but we won’t see the worst of it until Wednesday. Near the border, areas like White Rock and Langley are expected to see freezing rain as well on Tuesday night.
By Wednesday afternoon, Vancouver is predicted to have 20 cm (7 inches) of snow, and it will be heavy at times. The wind chill will be around -7°C, with a high of zero.
To compare, last Thursday afternoon saw an estimated snowfall of 2 cm, according to the station at the Vancouver International Airport.
Highway 1 in North Vancouver on January 11, 2024. (Drive BC)
Wednesday’s forecast is therefore calling for 10 times more snow, but over a longer period and with warmer weather.
The City of Vancouver is urging everyone who can to just stay home.
“The best way to stay safe during snow is to only undertake essential travel. Keeping roads clear allows City crews to do their work. If you must drive make sure you have winter tires, allow more time for travel and stick to priority routes. Use our traffic cameras to check road conditions on your commute,” it said on its website.
A snap shot of conditions after the deep freeze in Vancouver on January 12, 2024. (Daily Hive)
Crews are out preparing roads and planning for a “full-scale response” on priority routes, which include major roads, bus routes, and bridges. Four pedestrian pathways and 16 of the most-used bike routes are also priority areas.
Aleks Ka / Shutterstock
Residents are urged to have their shovels ready or face a hefty fine of up to $750 if they don’t shovel their walks within a 24 period.
“Avoid over-salting. Excess road salt damages vehicles and infrastructure, harms our pets and plants, and degrades waterways,” the City added.
The Province has also told drivers to prepare for the worst and avoid travel by vehicle on Tuesday night through Wednesday morning’s commute. So, if you were looking for an excuse to work from home or go in late, experts say this is your chance.
“The Province’s maintenance contractors will be out in full force, applying brine and abrasives, and clearing snow as it accumulates. However, freezing rain is one of the most difficult weather conditions to effectively manage. Bridges and roads may be closed to traffic in the interest of public safety,” the Ministry of Transportation said.
“In the Lower Mainland, the cable collar systems on the Port Mann and Alex Fraser bridges will be in operation as necessary. On Vancouver Island, the Highway 1/Malahat Chain Up Protocol will be implemented at 2 pm on Tuesday and will remain overnight as needed,” it added.