An arctic air system moving through the Lower Mainland is expected to bring black ice and flash freezing to the region starting Tuesday morning.
Environment Canada says while the cold air and heavy precipitation normally culminates in snow, flurries are only expected at higher elevations.
Instead, Meteorologist Matt MacDonald said the near-freezing temperatures will translate to slippery roads and freezing pipes.
“It’s just a good reminder to get your snow tires on and perhaps drain those exterior pipes,” he told CTV Vancouver.
Temperatures will drop to three or four degrees Celcius on Tuesday, but the mercury will plummet even further overnight, said MacDonald.
“And then the winds are going to kick in once the arctic air gets here, so add to that the wind-chill and it will feel more like minus 10,” he said.
The City of Vancouver has 800 tonnes of salt ready to salt the roads, and another 500 tonnes on the way.
Ken Brown, Manager of Streets Operations, said its priority is to salt the bridge decks, arterial roads and collector roads.
TransLink says they will have extra staff to respond to weather-related issues and will implement anti-ice procedures for SkyTrain tracks and trolley wires if necessary.
The Union Gospel Mission said it is going to be keeping a close eye on homeless people outside to make sure they have enough warm clothing.
Jeremy Hunka said staff would be handing out everything from jackets to sweaters and gloves.
“When it gets that cold, there's a risk of not just getting ill or sick, or frostbite, but in some extreme cases, it could be life and death,” said Hunka.
With files from CTV Vancouver’s Nafessa Karim and Penny Daflos
