Schools are closed today (Wednesday) in Surrey and Delta due to heavy overnight snowfall.
“All sites in Surrey School District will be closed today. Staff in critical roles please report to work to help us prepare for tomorrow. Thank you,” Jordan Tinney, superintendent of schools in Surrey, posted to his Twitter account just before 6 a.m.
It’s a SNOW DAY! Due to heavy snowfall, all #SurreySchools will be closed today (Jan. 15, 2020) #SurreyBC #WhiteRock #SD36learn
— Surrey Schools (@Surrey_Schools) January 15, 2020
Because of extreme winter weather, motorists are advised to avoid all but essential travel throughout the Metro Vancouver region today, including the Fraser Valley, warns the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“Persistent snow, high winds and cold temperatures are causing poor road conditions,” the ministry said in a news release at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. “Those who must travel are asked to use extreme caution and drive to the conditions. The ministry advises travellers to expect winter conditions for the rest of the week.”
TransLink said there will be “significantly slower service” on the transit system Wednesday, according to spokesperson Ben Murphy.
“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,” Murphy said in a news release at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday.
“The inclement weather may also result in some crowding on board trains and at SkyTrain stations, as was seen during afternoon rush hours yesterday. 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.
“Customers using the bus system are asked to check transit alerts before travelling. Some routes may be adjusted given road conditions and we do expect that there will be significantly longer travel times. HandyDART will be operating at essential service levels only until further notice.
“Our priority is to ensure transit services continue to operate, even if they are operating more slowly or with reduced capacity. We thank the media for sharing this message with our customers.”
On Tuesday evening, Tinney warned of fake Twitter accounts that sometimes spring up to report fake school-closure news.
Another reminder of bots and fakers out there in the twitterverse. The blue checkmark on my account signifies a verified account and, as always, turn to your trusted media sources such as @cbcradio @CKNW @Surrey_Schools website also key. #sd36learn #surreybc
— Jordan Tinney (@jordantinney) January 14, 2020
In Delta, schools are also closed Wednesday, according to a website post.
Surrey district’s winter weather procedures are posted to the Surrey Schools website.
READ MORE: Surrey drivers tailgating, speeding despite icy roads
@CityofSurrey give your head a shake, main streets like #kinggeorgeblvd are not plowed ! Why ????? Shame on you @NEWS1130Traffic @NEWS1130 @SurreyTraffic @TransLink @NEWS1130Weather @DriveBC_LM #Snowmageddon2020 #SMH pic.twitter.com/zvIzrAvEtA
— DJ Lajit (@DJLajit) January 15, 2020
#BCStorm , Guildford area of Surrey pic.twitter.com/CXGAUqvXYZ
— John Pothier (@johnpothier) January 15, 2020
