Vancouver Roads Turn Treacherous as Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Commute

Vancouver Roads Turn Treacherous as Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Commute

Vancouver Roads Turn Treacherous as Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Commute

Good morning, everyone. If you're in Metro Vancouver today, you already know—it's a rough one out there. After another round of heavy snowfall overnight, the roads have turned into an absolute mess, making for a slow and slippery commute across the region.

Highway 1 is particularly bad, especially from the Fraser Valley into Surrey, with slick conditions and multiple cars spun out, creating serious hazards. In Coquitlam, just west of the Port Mann Bridge, multi-vehicle collisions have blocked lanes in both directions, making traffic even worse. BC Highway Patrol is strongly advising people to reconsider driving unless absolutely necessary. If you must go out, slow down—way more than usual. And if you’re not confident in winter conditions or don’t have proper tires, today is not your day to be on the road.

Darren Grieve from the 1130 Air Patrol reports that the stretch through Burnaby Lake is treacherous, while North Vancouver’s infamous “Cut” is seeing multiple vehicles struggle to gain traction. The situation is just as bad in West Vancouver, with drivers facing major difficulties navigating the steep and icy roads. Over on Highway 91, the northbound lane closure on the Alex Fraser Bridge has been lifted, but the southbound right lane remains closed due to winter operations. Crews are out working, but it's still best to drive with extreme caution.

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Side streets aren't much better, especially in areas where previous layers of ice and compacted snow were already causing problems. The fresh snowfall has made these roads even more slippery, adding another layer of difficulty for drivers. If you're stopping, be aware—you might have a hard time getting moving again.

Meteorologist Michael Kuss explains that the same Arctic air system responsible for the heavy snow over the weekend has struck again. The combination of cold air from the Interior mixing with unstable conditions offshore has led to continued snowfall. While the worst of it has passed, light flurries are expected throughout the day, adding another dusting of snow on already icy roads. On top of that, the temperatures this morning are brutally cold, feeling as low as minus 10 to minus 15 with the wind chill.

With all these conditions in play, TransLink is urging commuters to plan ahead and allow extra time for their travels. Bus services are still running, but delays are expected. Some 60-foot buses have been swapped out for smaller 40-foot models to handle the conditions better, and SkyTrain attendants are actively working to prevent ice buildup on the tracks.

For those wondering about school closures, both North and West Vancouver school districts have declared a snow day due to the challenging conditions. Meanwhile, BC Hydro is on high alert, ready to deal with any weather-related power outages.

The bottom line? If you can delay your trip, do it. If you must drive, take it slow, use winter tires, and be prepared for sudden stops and delays. Stay safe out there, Vancouver!

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