Another blast of winter is set to hit Abbotsford Wednesday evening, even as the city tries to cope with snowfalls from earlier in the week.
Here’s what you need to know, and where to get more information as it comes in. Also, check out the latest info from the City of Abbotsford by clicking here.
Weather
A winter storm warning has been issued for Abbotsford and the rest of the Fraser Valley. An arctic outflow is also in place. More snow is expected, and there’s a chance it may turn to freezing rain. Strong winds are anticipated. Past freezing rain and wind events have brought down trees and knocked out power for thousands, sometimes for extended periods. Whether snow or freezing rain falls, roads are likely to be a mess on Thursday.
Our story on the winter storm warning
Click here for the latest forecast from Environment Canada
Roads
Highway 1’s westbound lanes between Chilliwack and Abbotsford were re-opened Wednesday around 1 p.m. Eastbound lanes remained closed. A detour, via Highway 7 and the bridges at Agassiz and Mission, is available for those who must travel. Check drivebc.ca for the latest, or their Twitter account, as conditions change.
For any stranded drivers, the City of Abbotsford has opened a warming centre at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre on McMillan Road. More info
The City of Abbotsford says the snow has been coming down so fast that it makes it difficult to keep up with clearing. Both the city and the province urge motorists to avoid non-urgent travel. In other words: stay home if you can.
Schools & UFV
Watch the Abbotsford School District’s Facebook page for information on school closures. On Wednesday, they posted information by 5:15 a.m. Also, don’t be a jerk. Most independent schools are posting information on their respective pages.
You can also check UFV’s Facebook page to see if classes are going ahead.
Buses
With a couple exceptions, Abbotsford’s transit system was operating with just minor disruptions Wednesday. Check BC Transit’s Facebook page to see if things change.
The Fraser Valley Express was not running, because the highway was a mess and closed for much of Wednesday. BC Transit (link above) will have more information on when service resumes.
Power
Only a few power outages have been reported over the last week, but a major freezing rain event coupled with high winds could change that. If the power goes out (and your phone battery still works), click here for the BC Hydro outage map.
Shelters
Four extreme-weather shelters have been opened for those who don’t have housing in Abbotsford: the Salvation Army on Gladys Avenue, the Look Out Society at 1670 Riverside Rd., Gateway Church at 2884 Highway 11, and The Warm Zone (women only) at 33264 Old Yale Rd. Shelters have on-site health workers, meals and outreach staff.
Garbage and recycling
Curbside pickup was cancelled Wednesday. It may be cancelled again Thursday. Residents will be able to place twice their normal allocation on their next pickup day.
MORE: Abbotsford garbage crews redeployed to battle snow
Sidewalks
With just a couple exceptions, residents and businesses are responsible for clearing the sidewalks in front of their properties. Those who don’t do so within 24 hours can be fined, although penalties are rare.
Parks
Several Abbotsford parks are already closed. As of Wednesday at 2:45 p.m., they were: Matsqui Trail, Glenn Valley Parks, Douglas Taylor Park and the DeLair Park’s playground. Watch the city’s website for more information. And remember: parks can be very dangerous during or after a freezing rain or heavy snow event, so exercise caution.
Airports
Some flights are leaving and departing Abbotsford International Airport and Vancouver International Airport on time, others have been cancelled and delayed. Check the status of your flight below:
Abbotsford International Airport
Vancouver International Airport
Driving
Here’s some advice on how to minimize damage to your car, if you must hit the road tonight or tomorrow:
COLUMN: How to drive on an icy highway (and, maybe, save yourself from the tailgater behind you)
RELATED: Abbotsford snowplow driver has advice for winter drivers
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:tolsen@abbynews.com
