"A disaster": Drivers greeted with delays Sunday as snow falls on Metro Vancouver
Drivers have been experiencing major delays on the road Sunday morning as a snowstorm spreads across Metro Vancouver.
In North Vancouver, some locals on the road shared photos of the stalled road conditions as early as 7:15 am.
One Twitter user warned drivers to avoid the “disaster” on Highway 1 heading towards Mountain Highway.
“Holy crap avoid this. I’m stuck here for a while! 15 spunout cars trying to get to Mtn Hwy,” the tweet reads.
Hwy 1 WB trying to get through North Vancouver is a disaster right now. Avoid. Holy crap avoid this. I'm stuck here for a while! 15 spunout cars trying to get to Mtn Hwy. #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/xZUdn0Qbmb
— Brad Atchison (@Brad604) December 18, 2022
Hwy 1 WB is closed at 715am after Mtn Hwy due to multiple spinouts. Do not go this way. #bcstorm @AM730Traffic @CityNewsTraffic pic.twitter.com/iRe9Q6si5D
— Brad Atchison (@Brad604) December 18, 2022
Another Twitter user chimed in to pass on the same advice but also pointed out winter tires are needed in this weather.
“Stay home,” the tweet reads. “What are u people doing in your summer tires.”
stay home what are u people doing in your summer tires#hwy1 North bound towards Lynn valley, North Vancouver super slow traffic#bcstorm pic.twitter.com/m2HXdByNdh
— Ted Buddwell 🏀🏈 (@TedBuddy8) December 18, 2022
Driving in North Vancouver. #thecut @DriveBC @CBCVancouver pic.twitter.com/mpLO0hvf4p
— Xylia Burns (@msxmburns) December 18, 2022
Drive BC said the vehicle incident on Highway 1 Westbound at Mountain Highway overpass is blocking two lanes as of 9:30 am.
“The left lane has been cleared. Crews are on scene. Continue to expect major delays,” it added.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure followed up Sunday morning with a statement advising drivers of possible detours and closures on Highway 1 westbound through North Vancouver between Mountain Highway and Lynn Valley Road.
“The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and police are dealing with spun-out vehicles westbound at the bottom of the cut,” a release reads.
“Tow trucks are restoring access, while the ministry’s maintenance contractor continues to treat Highway 1 with abrasives.”
⚠️ UPDATE – #BCHwy1 Westbound vehicle incident at Mountain Hwy overpass is now only blocking 2 lanes. The left lane has been cleared. Crews are on scene. Continue to expect major delays #NorthVancouver #Vancouver
ℹ️ For more info:https://t.co/nwmbONHYkS
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 18, 2022
Drivers with vehicles that are not properly equipped with winter tires are advised to avoid the Highway 1 section.
Meanwhile, TransLink users are having a difficult time getting around by train or bus.
Are you even covering a #Vancouver #snow event if you don’t get a @TransLink #TrolleyBus or two stuck on a hill?!
These #buses stuck on EB Hastings St just before Cassiar. #ShareYourWeather #ArcticOutflow #BCwx #YVRwx #BCsnow #BCcold #BCstorm pic.twitter.com/ixHOpYT4c1— Ryan Voutilainen 🇨🇦🇫🇮🇺🇦 (@RyanVoutilainen) December 18, 2022
TransLink has tweeted dozens of delays across the region.
A snowfall warning issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has been in effect for Metro Vancouver since Saturday afternoon.
Residents can expect five to 10 cm of snow.
ECCC has been urging drivers and pedestrians to be extra cautious. Due to the rapid cooling caused by the arctic front, “wet exposed surfaces on roads and sidewalks could freeze rapidly and become hazardous.”
“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow,” ECCC added.
Officially cannot see Vancouver from North Vancouver #BCStorm pic.twitter.com/70lQJDcAL8
— fitz (@fitzdfitzgerald) December 18, 2022
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