B.C. fresh snowfall, warming temperatures lead to slippery roads
Posted January 2, 2022 9:53 am.
Last Updated January 2, 2022 1:05 pm.
Many Lower Mainland residents woke up to a fresh layer of snow Sunday morning.
Vancouver, Burnaby, the Tri-Cities and the North Shore all had a snowfall warning issued by Environment Canada on Saturday but with warming temperatures and rain on the way, melting snow is a concern.
Vancouver’s Manager of Street Operations, Amy Sidwell, says the priority remains clearing the major routes.
But as for the side-streets and the threat of flooding, Sidwell says they’re keeping tabs on the situation.
“We are out monitoring and getting calls in from the public about any kind of storm drains that are blocked. We are also asking residents to go out and clear their storm drains and catch basins in advance so that the water can get into those more easily.”
Sidwell says crews have been deployed to clear streets and walkways to prevent slush from freezing.
“The challenges really come depending on how quickly the snow is falling to how quickly we can get it cleared,” Sidwell explains.
But, residential property sidewalks must be cleared by the owners by 10am otherwise they risk getting fined.
Although the city is treating the roads, Cst. Tania Visintin urges drivers to be extra cautious in these conditions.
“As a general rule of thumb going half the speed limit would be safe. It really just depends on each situation,” says Visintin.
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With icy conditions and more snow beginning to melt on the roads, Visintin says drivers going the speed limit can even be ticketed if the limit is too fast for the conditions.
She says with the snowy weather British Columbians are not accustomed to, it is important to maintain a “greater than reasonable standard for safe driving.”
2022 WINTER WEATHER
Expect to encounter winter driving conditions throughout #BritishColumbia.
Travel to the road conditions
Maintain a safe distance from others
Do not pass winter maintenance vehicles
Use the proper tires
Turn taillights on!#BCStorm
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) January 1, 2022
The snow is expected to turn into rain Sunday afternoon making roads and walkways extremely slippery.
“Be vigilant, cognizant, and just slow down.”
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– With files from Michael Williams
