Significant snowfall is in the forecast for the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver as the snow arrives overnight, according to the Jan. 16 storm warning from Environment Canada.
“Hazardous winter conditions are expected,” said weather officials in the reminder about heavy snow and blowing snow to impact anyone travelling in the Fraser Valley, as well as Metro Vancouver, Tuesday night through to Wednesday evening.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and its maintenance contractors are preparing for the incoming storm across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island.
The conditions are expected to begin Tuesday evening and continue into Wednesday during the morning commute, as the current cold front shifts into more seasonal temperatures.
Maintenance contractors will be out on provincial highways 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,” according to MOTI.
In the Lower Mainland, the cable collar systems on the Port Mann and Alex Fraser bridges will be in operation as necessary.
“With the risk of freezing rain, people should avoid travel by vehicle on Tuesday night through Wednesday morning’s commute.”
Should travel be necessary, drivers must ensure their vehicle is properly equipped for winter conditions, including having winter or snow-rated tires in good condition. Help maintenance crews by providing space for them on highways and moving over safely when they see a vehicle with an amber light approaching. This will allow crews to improve road conditions and reduce hazards for drivers.
For conditions https://www.drivebc.ca/
They’re now calling for “significant” accumulations of 20 to 25 centimetres in the valley, with blowing snow in strong northeast or easterly winds, and a risk of freezing rain to the south.
The forecasting has become more precise as the storm approaches.
Some parts of the valley and Metro Vancouver could see 10 to 20 cm of snow according to the latest weather information.
“A Pacific low pressure system is expected to bring a snow storm to the south coast from tonight to Wednesday.
“Poor visibility due to blowing snow is also a travel hazard in addition to heavy snowfall,” according to the EC storm warning.
Also there is a risk of freezing rain tonight in southernmost sections near the United States border.
READ MORE: Monday they called it: snow, freezing rain to come
