Winter storm warning extended for Fraser Valley

FRASER VALLEY (NEWS 1130) – Hazardous winter conditions are expected in parts of the Fraser Valley as Environment Canada extends a winter storm warning for the region.

This as an arctic front continues to move across that region, bringing significant snowfall to some areas.

Hope and Chilliwack are expected to get significant snow, as well as freezing rain.

“It is for potential accumulations of 20 to 30 centimetres in eastern-most areas, more like 10 to 15 for the central valley and north of the Fraser,” explains NEWS 1130 Meteorologist Russ Lacate. “Of course across coastal communities it’s expected to be cold, and at times sleety rain in Metro Vancouver right through… into the night.”

More snow is in the forecast for Friday as well.

Sergeant Judy Bird with Abbotsford Police Department says you to drive sensibly as the conditions worsen.

“You really need to be prepared for a time delay and a weather change is very deceptive and I think you’ll be in for a rude awakening once you hit the Whatcom-Sumas area of Abbotsford as the snow starts to pile and the weather conditions deteriorate.”

She adds you need to not just think about yourself when you’re on the roads in these types of conditions.

“If you are comfortable in the snow and you have no problem driving in it, also consider that there’s other people on the road trying to get to where they need to go and they may not be as comfortable,” she explains. “So give people a lot of time to be able to make decisions and drive comfortably. Don’t put pressure on the drivers around you.”

This storm comes less than two weeks after ice and snow caused major power outages throughout the Fraser Valley. Thousands of customers lost electricity as BC Hydro crews worked to repair and de-ice equipment.

Out of town highways

Meanwhile, a snowfall warning is also still in effect for the Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt as well as Highway 3 for Allison Pass between Hope and Princeton.

Up to 15 centimeters is forecast for those areas. The central Okanagan, southern Fraser Canyon and Okanagan Connector can expect up to 10 centimeters of accumulation.

Forecasters warn of quickly-changing weather conditions. Drivers are being reminded to adjust their behaviour and make use of proper tires and chains.

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