Vancouver prepares for snowy weekend forecast
Posted December 10, 2009 9:15 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Skiers and tire shops are excited about the prospect of snow this weekend but drivers and Christmas shoppers might not be quite as happy. The latest weather forecast from Environment Canada calls for a chance of snow for the next 3 days, but how much and how much actually sticks to the ground in the city is yet to be determined.
After last year’s record-breaking and back breaking (for shovellers) snowfalls, many people will be keeping their eyes on the skies starting Friday. The cold air mass which has lingered all week is expected to remain in place, and an approaching series of systems approaching from the Pacific will bring some moisture.
The forecast calls for a chance of flurries Friday, periods of snow Saturday, and more snow Sunday. Accumulations of 1-3 centimetres are possible each day in the city, with more at higher elevations. Environment Canada’s alpine forecast calls for 2-4 centimetres Saturday, and 10-15 cm both Sunday and Monday in the mountains.
For local tire shops…it’s a boon for sales of winter tires–not to mention snow brushes, ice scrapers and rock salt for the driveway and sidewalks. Although you’d think most people already had snow brushes after last winter. Most people we spoke with say they’re ready for some snow, and others say they aren’t worried.
If we do get a big dump of snow this season, the City of Vancouver says it plans to clear some side streets, but only if needed. Last winter’s deep snowfall made many side streets impassable, and some people ended up stuck indoors for days.
TransLink and its operating companies are also getting ready to keep as much service going as possible…check out their plan here.
TransLink’s Drew Snider admits it’s difficult to prepare for the unknown but says one of the priorities will be ensuring bus yards are plowed and sanded so the buses can get out. “They also are in constant contact with the various municipal works crews and with Simon Fraser University’s works crews so they can get the transit routes plowed and sanded. Transit routes are a priority. Most areas, also City of Vancouver, is going to be looking for some of the key bus stops to be taken care of to make sure those are cleared and those are accessible for everybody.”
Snider says they’ll also be sending out anti-icing crews and ice-buster buses. For the very latest on the snowy forecast and road conditions, stay tuned to News1130 traffic and weather.
