Snow Day: Highway alerts, transit delays, and schools closed in Metro Vancouver
Credit to Author: Tiffany Crawford| Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2020 15:24:42 +0000
It’s a snow day for Metro Vancouver, and while the kids are likely cheering because schools are closed, authorities are warning those who travel to either avoid certain highways because of blizzard conditions or drive with extreme caution.
An alert has been posted for heavy snowfall on Highway 1 and the region’s transit authority expects delays and crowding on the transit system.
Drive BC says travel in parts of the Fraser Valley along Highway 1 between McCallum Road and Whatcom Road is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. Several highway alerts are in effect for highways, including a blizzard warning for the Sea to Sky.
“Blizzard conditions with gusty winds and visibility frequently near zero in snow and blowing snow are expected or occurring, warned Environment and Climate Change Canada on Wednesday.
Cold arctic air will continue to funnel through Howe Sound producing strong northerly winds of 90 to 110 km/h near Bowen Island into the evening, the agency said.
The agency says drivers should postpone non-essential travel until conditions improve.
“If you become stranded in a vehicle do not leave. The vehicle offers a form of protection from the cold. A single person walking through the snow is harder to find than a stranded car or truck. Protect yourself from wind, cold and disorientation by staying sheltered, indoors or with your vehicle,” the warning stated.
Snowfall and wind warnings are also in effect for Metro Vancouver Wednesday. Environment and Climate Change Canada says up to 20 more centimetres of snow is expected in some areas, and wind gusts of up to 90 km/h are anticipated Wednesday evening, making for potentially hazardous winter conditions.
All schools in the region are closed Wednesday because of extreme weather, including all universities and colleges. Many daycares are closed as well.
Our gift to you, #AbbySchools: A SNOW DAY 😎❄️
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Due to the current weather and road conditions, all schools and district buildings are CLOSED for Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Please share! Updates will be provided on our website and social media pages, as needed. #BCStorm pic.twitter.com/vwgTDN97Lm
TransLink says because of the heavy snowfall there will be “significantly slower service” on the transit system Wednesday.
Spokesperson Ben Murphy says customers are asked to consider whether they need to travel today, and if there is a need, whether they could consider travelling outside of rush hours, as commutes will take significantly longer than usual.
Commuters are asked to expect crowding on trains and at SkyTrain stations. Murphy says station attendants will be on board trains to monitor guideways and limit emergency braking on the system, which can be caused by heavy snowfall or ice build up.
As of 7 a.m., there were nearly 200 transit alerts for busses, and an alert saying SkyTrain is significantly impacted because of the weather.
ticrawford@postmedia.com
More to come…