Drivers asked to avoid 'unnecessary travel' amid snowfall warnings
Drivers across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley are being asked to avoid non-essential travel this weekend, as potentially record-breaking snowfall threatens to close highways and bridges.
On Friday, much of Southern B.C. remained under a special weather statement from Environment Canada.
“We’ve been monitoring this weather forecast for several weeks now. It’s going to be a fairly significant event for the entire South Coast region,” said Ashok Bhatti, the executive director of the South Coast Region for the Ministry of Transportation.
Periods of heavy snow are expected on Saturday into Sunday morning with total accumulations of 15 to 25 centimetres possible in some areas, while higher elevations may see up to 35.
In a statement, the province’s Ministry of Transportation advised drivers to avoid “unnecessary travel” and prepare for delays and longer commutes if they need to head out on the roads.
“Only travel if you absolutely need to, the conditions will be challenging,” Bhatti said.
Drivers are also asked to ensure their vehicles are equipped with snow tires and be aware of the condition of the roads they’re planning to take.
“Maintenance contractors are proactively applying anti-icing brine, and will plow and sand to manage any accumulation of snow,” the ministry said in a statement.
Bhatti said the ministry’s focus will be on addressing as many areas as possible ahead of the major snowfall, in order to keep the roads as clear as possible.
“We have a list of all the different areas that we know have been challenging during the previous winter events so those areas have become focal points for us,” Bhatti said.
The ministry added that bridges and highways may be closed on short notice, or have lanes reduced, for safety reasons.
In the Lower Mainland, ice technicians will be stationed at the Port Mann and Alex Fraser bridges, activating cable collars as necessary to clear any accumulations of snow.
“Drivers can assist maintenance crews by providing space for them on highways and moving over safely when they see a vehicle with an amber light approaching,” the ministry said.
For the latest information on road conditions, drivers can visit Drive BC’s website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
First court appearance for boy and girl charged in death of Halifax 16-year-old
A girl and a boy, both 14 years old, made their first appearance today in a Halifax courtroom, where they each face a second-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old high school student.