Icy roads, frigid temperatures persist in Metro Vancouver

Commuters are being warned to expect delays and exercise caution in Metro Vancouver, amid icy conditions and frigid temperatures Friday.

Thursday afternoon saw the region's first significant snowfall, which created chaos during the afternoon commute. Combined with sub-zero temperatures, the somewhat sudden snowfall meant that the roads quickly turned slick with ice.

Videos posted on social media captured a series of crashes and fender-benders as drivers struggled to navigate the winter conditions during the evening rush hour. 

Graeme O'Neill, a plow and salt truck driver with Burnaby Blacktop says the road conditions went from dry to dangerous in an instant.

“As soon as you get accumulation of water and freezing, in whatever manner, it can happen instantly when those temperatures drop,” said O'Neill.

He says winter-ready tires can help, but Thursday's sudden snowfall made it challenging even for his heavy duty snow plow to navigate the terrain.

“I remember last night going home on the shift and some areas on the hills were just sheets of ice,” he said.

One of those hills was at Royal Oak Avenue in Burnaby near Marine Drive. CTV News spotted at least eight vehicles abandoned on the side of the road, some of them with visible damage.  

TransLink is not reporting any system-wide issues Friday morning, but did tell riders to bundle up and to check for delays and cancellations on some bus routes due to icy roads.

Vancouver International Airport says winter operations are continuing and urges those with travel plans to check the status of their flights and to allow ample travel time to and from the airport.

The 91
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The City of Vancouver says crews have been out "24/7" since the snow fell, treating the roads for ice and snow. However, people are encouraged to check traffic cameras for conditions on particular roads and are being reminded to slow down and drive to conditions.

An arctic outflow warning remains in effect for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, with Environment and Climate Change Canada saying windchills could make it feel as cold as - 20 C.

It’s only Day 1…
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"Frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes if adequate precautions are not taken when outdoors. Any skin exposure will result in frostbite," the weather agency says.

"If outside, dress warmly in layers and stay dry. Cover as much exposed skin as possible to avoid frostbite."

Cold-weather shelters and warming centres have opened across the province.

Metrotown right now
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