Most of southern B.C. remains locked in a deep freeze, with temperatures expected to drop even further into the weekend.

The cold snap has caused another day of treacherous driving, snowfall warnings and numerous school closures and icy windchills across the south coast.

Morning commute

Traffic is moving again on Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley between Abbotsford and Chilliwack, after blizzard conditions with near zero visibility forced the closure for several hours Wednesday night.

Police in Abbotsford are urging motorists to stay off the route unless absolutely necessary. Drivers are urged to carry sand, shovels, blankets and other emergency supplies if they must venture out.

A spokesman for Abbotsford police says even four wheel drive, snow tire-equipped emergency vehicles had trouble getting around on the icy roads.

Conditions in the Fraser Valley may worsen as the week wears on, with a high of only -7 C expected Thursday.

Transit running well

In Greater Vancouver, transit buses are largely running on schedule, with some delays expected in higher elevations.

HandiDART service is only running for emergencies, except in Vancouver and Richmond.

SkyTrain is not reporting any problems Thursday. The service reported few problems throughout Wednesday, apart from many more passengers than usual.

A total of 14 salt trucks were out all night to cover Lower Mainland streets in time for Thursday's commute, and the City of Vancouver was sending all snowploughs out to keep the roads clear.

If you're planning on flying today, expect to wait. A spokesperson for Vancouver International Airport said there would be 15 minute to hour-long delays in flights continuing onto Thursday due to de-icing. Passengers are asked to check its website for up-to-date information.

A deadly week on the roads

The treacherous winter driving conditions across the Lower Mainland turned tragic Wednesday, with two deaths in two single-vehicle accidents being attributed to the ice and snow.

Ridge Meadows RCMP reported that the separate accidents happened just minutes apart in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.

School Closures

The following schools are affected by the bad weather:

  • Langford: Lighthouse Christian Academy is closed.
  • Burnaby: Our Lady of Mercy, St. Francis de Sales Elementary, John Knox Christian Schooln and Carver Christian High school are all closed.
  • Maple Ridge: James Cameron Elementary School is closed.
  • Surrey: Iqra Islamic School, Fraser Valley Christian High School, William of Orange Christian School, Surrey Muslim School, and Surrey Christian primary and middle school are all closed.
  • Richmond: B.C. Muslim School is closed.
  • Pitt Meadows: Greybrook Academy buses are running on snow route only
  • Langley: Langley Christian Middle High School, Langley Christian Elementary School, Credo Elementary and High school and Langley Montessori Early Learning Centre and Elementary are closed.
  • Southern Gulf Islands schools are open, but no buses are running.
  • Victoria and Saanich school buses are running with delays.
  • Abbotsford: St. John Brebeuf and St. James Elementary are closed.
  • Aldergrove: Fraser Valley Adventis Academy is closed.
  • All Vancouver Island University are closed, including Nanaimo, Parksville, Cowichan and Powell River.
  • Sooke schools are closed.
  • Nanaimo-Ladysmith, Cowichan Valley and Alberni Valley schools are closed.