The snow stopped Wednesday night, but many Metro Vancouver residents braced for a second day of snow chaos.
Article content
Don’t put away the snow shovel yet.
Although the snow had stopped by Wednesday evening, many Metro Vancouver residents braced themselves for a second day of snow mayhem before more snow began to fall later in the day.
Article content
Check back here for more updates throughout the day.
Update for Thursday, January 19th
Canada Post resumes delivery services in Metro Vancouver but warns of delays
Advertisement 2
Article content
Canada Post will resume delivery services on Thursday, but warned customers that delays may occur.
On Wednesday, the Postal Service issued a red alert, suspending all postal services in the Metro Vancouver area due to the snow. The alert was later downgraded to yellow on Thursday morning.
A statement shared by Canada Post said: “This means we will do everything in our power to deliver today, but due to ongoing icy conditions, there may be delays or some addresses may not be reachable. It says, “There is a sex.”
Customers are asked to clear ice from sidewalks, stairs, and driveways to ensure safe delivery by mail carriers.
Snowfall warning issued for Victoria, state braces for more snow and freezing rain
A snowfall warning has been issued for Vancouver Island, including Victoria, with 10 to 15 centimeters of snow expected to fall later Thursday, followed by a prolonged period of freezing rain.
The freezing rain is expected to continue into Friday morning, changing to rain around noon Friday, according to a warning from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
The agency warns that highways, roadways, sidewalks and parking lots may become difficult to pass due to snow or may become icy and slippery.
Advertisement 3
Article content
Meanwhile, B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation issued a statement Thursday morning saying maintenance contractors are preparing for freezing rain and snow in the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, and across southern and central Vancouver Island. .
Snow is expected to fall in the Lower Mainland this afternoon, potentially turning to cold rain this evening as the weather warms. The cable collar systems on the Portman and Alex Fraser Bridges will be activated as needed, the ministry said.
The ministry said freezing rain is one of the most difficult weather conditions to manage effectively and can result in bridges and roads being closed for public safety.
Electricity usage skyrocketed, but hourly records were not broken
Many British Columbians stayed home during Wednesday’s snowstorm, but electricity usage did not break any previous records.
BC Hydro spokeswoman Susie Reeder said power usage peaked at 10,000 megawatts on Wednesday. This amount is still below the record-breaking 11,300 megawatts recorded last Friday when the cold snap first began.
sunrise
Article content
Advertisement 4
Article content
The previous record was 10,977 megawatts, set in December 2022.
Fewer than 100 customers were also without power Thursday morning, after the previous day’s snowfall left thousands without power due to snow conditions and trees lying on power lines.
Snow likely cause of life-threatening accident in Abbotsford
A 31-year-old man is in critical condition after a crash in Abbotsford Thursday morning.
Police said a pedestrian was struck near North Parallel Road and Hooks Road around 6:15 a.m. Thursday. Paramedics arrived and found the pedestrian with serious, life-threatening injuries. He remained hospitalized Thursday morning.
“The driver of the vehicle involved remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation,” according to an Abbey PD news release.
“Failure is not believed to be a factor in the accident, with adverse weather and snow likely contributing.”
Numerous road closures remain on North Parallel Road between Whatcom and Kilgard as law enforcement investigates the crash.
Advertisement 5
Article content
TransLink is experiencing delays and detours
If you prefer to use public transportation to get around the city, be aware of schedule changes and closures.
An Expo Line train normally scheduled to arrive at Production Way has been forced to stop at Lloyd Station due to “inclement weather,” according to an update from TransLink.
Passengers needing to go to Production Way Station will need to change to the Millennium Line at Lougheed Station to continue their journey.
There are also many buses that take detours. TransLink advises passengers to check for detours before leaving home.
It looks like another snow day for Metro Vancouver students
All school districts in the Metro Vancouver area have announced school closures for a second day.
Click here for a list of school closures January 18th snow day: Which Metro Vancouver schools will be open and which will be closed?
Most higher education institutions across Metro Vancouver also canceled in-person classes for Thursday.
BC Ferries cancels some flights
BC Ferries canceled some sailings this morning due to inclement weather.
The following sailings for today have been canceled as the Salish Eagle is unable to enter Sturdy’s Bay on Galiano Island.
Advertisement 6
Article content
Depart Village Bay at 7:45am to Sturdy’s Bay
8:20am Sturdies Bay to Tsawwassen
BC Ferries says the following sailings may be canceled if the situation does not improve:
9:55am Tsawwassen to Sturdy’s Bay
11am, Sturdies Bay to Village Bay
Snow warning has been lifted for Metro Vancouver, but freezing rain warning is in effect for the Fraser Valley
Environment and Climate Change Canada has lifted the snowfall warning for Metro Vancouver, but there are several freezing rain warnings in effect this morning.
The Federal Weather Service says: More snow will fall in the Fraser Valley on Thursday this afternoon, and a prolonged period of freezing rain will occur tonight as cold air lingers.
Langley is expected to experience cold rain starting tonight and turning to rain by Friday morning. The cold rain is expected to continue Friday in Abbotsford and Chilliwack.
The Federal Weather Service warns that highways, roadways, sidewalks, parking lots and other surfaces may become icy and slippery, and urges motorists to use extreme caution.
Drive BC’s warning says snow and freezing rain is expected Thursday into Friday, and drivers should be prepared for rapidly deteriorating road conditions and sudden road closures. Travel is not recommended unless necessary.
Advertisement 7
Article content
The snowfall warning has been lifted for Metro Vancouver, but more snow is forecast this afternoon. Commuters using public transport are being urged to dress warmly as wind chills of -4C are expected this morning.
Metro Vancouver will see a chance of freezing rain overnight, followed by more snow and rain.
Advertisement 8
Article content
Advertisement 9
Article content
Some higher education institutions cancel classes again
Major higher education institutions across Metro Vancouver have canceled in-person classes for Thursday.
UBC, SFU, BCIT, and Capilano University will be canceling classes due to the ongoing weather. Students are asked to contact their instructor for more information. Kwantlen, VCC and Douglas College also announced they would close to in-person learning.
Click here for the latest list of Metro Vancouver school districts and secondary schools that have announced closures on Thursday.
It will continue…
Please send photos and details of weather-related disruptions occurring in your area to: vantips@postmedia.com.
Please support our journalism by bookmarking our website: Don’t miss the news you need to know – with VancouverSun.com TheProvince.com Add it to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletter here.
You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Get unlimited access to the Vancouver Sun, Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites for just $14 a month. Please support us by subscribing now: vancouver sun | prefecture.
Article content
