Chilliwack was coated in ice Thursday morning, closing schools and making travel treacherous.
The City of Chilliwack urged people to stay off the roads until the weather warms or public works crews have had a chance to sand the roads.
Transit buses were also taken off the roads.
“Residents should be aware that roads around Chilliwack are currently treacherous and are advised to stay off the roads if at all possible,” the City said in a statement. “If you must drive, please use extreme caution this morning.”
More than a half-centimetre of ice glazed the region in the latest in a series of winter storms. Nearly 90 cm of snow had fallen by Wednesday evening, before the precipitation turned to rain.
The Chilliwack School District issued another day of no school due to the extreme weather conditions.
“Chilliwack SD#33 is closed for Thursday, February 9, 2017 for students, staff and all activities (including Rentals, Daycare Centers, and Community Schools),” read the message on the district website. “There were significant amounts of freezing rain that fell overnight, creating icy conditions throughout Chilliwack and causing unsafe conditions for students and staff.”
The ice storm has also knocked out power to more than 3,000 BC Hydro customers in the Chilliwack area.
Residents are being urged to call the City’s Operations Department at 604.793.2810 (after hours: 604.793.9331) to report any localized flooding or fallen trees on roadways.
“We ask that residents do not call with snow plowing requests in order to keep the phone lines free for urgent calls about flooding and road blockages,” the City said. “If there is a medical emergency, please call 911 and they will work with Operations directly if additional assistance is needed.”
Watch The Progress for more on the storm.
