Traffic alerts: Downed power lines snarl traffic in different parts of Metro Vancouver
The storm that swept through B.C.'s South Coast on Thursday downed power lines onto busy roadways and snarled traffic for hours in different parts of Metro Vancouver.
HIGHWAY 1
The first downed BC Hydro cables were reported on Highway 1 near the border between Coquitlam and New Westminster at around 9:30 a.m.
Crews initially closed off the busy artery to westbound traffic, but later shut the highway down entirely to make way for repairs.
Officials confirmed Highway 1 was fully reopened around six hours after the initial closure.
"Continue to expect delays as the heavy congestion clears," DriveBC wrote on Twitter.
BRIDGEPORT ROAD
In Richmond, RCMP warned drivers that downed BC Hydro lines had Bridgeport Road closed between Viking Way and No. 6 Road.
"Traffic is being diverted. BC Hydro is en route," authorities said in an alert shortly after 1 p.m. "An estimated time of reopening is not available at this time."
WARNINGS FOR DRIVERS
On Thursday, ICBC warned drivers to brace themselves for the change in weather and possible flooding on roads.
According to the Crown corporation, crashes from drivers going too fast for the conditions typically increase by 90 per cent over the fall months as the weather worsens.
"In bad weather, slow down, increase your following distance and allow extra travel time," ICBC's statement said. "If you find yourself on a road that's flooded, the best choice is to turn around if you can do so safely. If a road is marked as closed, don't continue."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
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.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.