It’s shaping up to be one nasty day for weather on Friday.
Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for the eastern parts of Metro Vancouver along with the Fraser Valley, Greater Victoria, Howe Sound and Whistler areas.
That’s on top of light snow that was already in the forecast, though late Thursday Global BC Meteorologist said the likelihood of a serious snow event was declining.
Gordon says snow is expected to begin falling early Friday, meaning commuters should be prepared for the conditions — including having winter tires equipped.
“Our snow event for the Lower Mainland is becoming less likely. It is turning out to be more of a wind event,” said Gordon.
“For the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast we could see anywhere from zero to five cenitmetres. That’s not a major snow event. We will see it through the day, on and off, depending on your location.”
More serious accumulations are forecast for southern and eastern Vancouver Island, Whistler and Hope, where up to 15 centimetres of the white stuff could pile up.
Nonetheless, TransLink has activated its snow response plan, which includes additional staffing and coordination with local municipalities to ensure priority bus routes are clear.
It is also deploying de-icing trucks and trains to clear SkyTrain rails and trolley wires. If conditions become severe, it says it will rotate out articulated buses and add ‘tire socks’ to buses serving Burnaby Mountain.
Nonetheless, commuters are reminded to plan for extra time in their trip, and to watch TransLink’s mobile website for updates.
The City of Vancouver says it’s ready for the snow, and streets operations manager Erin Hoess says extra staff have been shifted.
“We have been treating our priority routes all throughout the last week,” she said.
“Our priority routes are our city’s arterials. That also includes our corner ramps and our bus stops of arterials, our priority hills,” Hoess added. “We have a few priority bike routes identified as well, and of course our emergency routes.”
The city is also reminding people to prepare for the snow in advance and to treat their sidewalks with de-icing material ahead of time.
Residents of both Surrey and Vancouver are required to clear sidewalks by 10 a.m. the day after a snowfall. People with mobility problems, however, can call 311 in Vancouver to take advantage of the ‘snow angel’ program.
Residents are also encouraged to assist their neighbours if they look like they need help.
Extreme weather shelters have also been activated across the region for the homeless, along with the City of Vancouver’s overnight warming centres.
Windstorm possible
The snow is forecast to begin easing off on Friday afternoon, but as it dies down the winds are forecast to pick up.
According to Environment Canada, strong outflow winds gusting up to 90 km/h could develop late on Friday.
It says the winds are expected hit Greater Victoria first, followed by the southeastern Lower Mainland Friday evening.
“Reduced visibilities in blowing snow can also be expected locally,” the agency warned.
“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions due to high winds.”
Gordon says those winds could cause problems in some of the same areas hit hard by December’s windstorm.
“So in the afternoon, the concern for the Lower Mainland will be more so blowing winds, maybe reduced visibility and the possibility of power outages,” she said.
“I am absolutely expecting power outages from the Fraser Valley right down to Tsawwassen and over to the Southern Gulf Islands.”
The weather is expected to clear Saturday and into Sunday, but that is forecast to bring plunging temperatures with overnight lows hitting -7 C.
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