We’ve been in the winter season for just over two months and have yet to see a single bit of snow in Metro Vancouver, but it sounds like that will change this weekend.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a special weather statement with the weather agency calling for “heavy flurries” beginning Saturday night.
ECCC doesn’t know how much snow will accumulate, but accumulation is expected.
Beginning Friday night, some fairly high winds will accompany rain showers and colder temperatures. ECCC says speeds could reach 70 km/h.
The heavy flurries will kick in this weekend. ECCC predicts a low of -1°C overnight for both Friday and Saturday.
Temperatures are also going to drop significantly next week. It’s all thanks to arctic air invading the region.
“Very cold and dry air is expected over the South Coast with outflow conditions from an arctic ridge of high pressure settling over the region. Temperatures will be 5 to 8 degrees Celsius below seasonal,” ECCC says.
ECCC
If the forecast and snowfall warning pan out, ICBC has some driving tips that, based on previous winters, Metro Vancouver should really heed.
ICBC suggests packing a winter driving kit with the following items:
- First aid kit
- Emergency food and water
- Warm clothes
- Flares/matches/lighters/candles
- A shovel and traction mat, sand or non-clumping kitty litter
- Jumper cables
ICBC also says to expect the unexpected, and if driving in bad weather, adjust for the conditions and reduce your speed and following distance.
There’s also the threat of black ice.
“If you drive over black ice and start to skid, ease off the accelerator, and look and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go. Don’t brake! This will make the situation worse. You may need to repeat this manoeuvre several times until you regain control.”
If we do face a snowmageddon this weekend, what are your plans?