Metro Vancouver commuters should brace themselves for potential snow this week. According to Environment Canada, there’s a chance of two to five centimeters of snowfall. A cool airmass is moving over the South Coast, bringing freezing levels close to sea level.
Flurries or light showers are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday as this weather system approaches. Snow may accumulate differently across the region, with higher elevations likely seeing the most.
Travelers are encouraged to allow extra time for their morning commutes, as delays are possible. This warning affects several cities, including Vancouver, Burnaby, and New Westminster, as well as areas like the North Shore, Coquitlam, and Surrey.
In the Interior, driving conditions are particularly dangerous. Police in Kamloops and surrounding areas are cautioning the public to only travel if absolutely necessary. The highways are reported to be very icy, and although the Coquihalla is now open after a recent closure due to a jack-knifed truck, there are still delays as transport trucks remain stuck.
Drivers are advised to check road conditions before heading out, clear any snow or ice from their vehicles, inform someone of their travel plans, and keep an emergency kit handy.
Meanwhile, Northern B.C. has been facing widespread power outages since Saturday due to high winds. B.C. Hydro states that crews are working tirelessly to restore service, with additional support coming from the Lower Mainland and Southern Interior. As of Monday morning, over 1,300 customers across 21 separate outages are still affected, particularly in areas like Vanderhoof and Smithers.
In light of these weather disruptions, it’s interesting to note that a recent survey found that 60% of Canadians are concerned about climate change affecting winter weather patterns. Many believe that increased snowfall and unpredictable weather could be a consequence.
Keeping safety in mind, the best advice during inclement weather is preparation—whether that means planning extra travel time or staying informed about power outages. For real-time updates on outages, you can visit the B.C. Hydro outage report.
