Snow wreaks havoc on roads across Metro Vancouver

Reports are pouring in on heavy traffic and spun-out vehicles as heavy snow continues to fall across Metro Vancouver Sunday.

B.C. Transportation has issued a travel advisory on possible detours and closures on Highway 1 Westbound through North Vancouver between Mountain Highway and Lynn Valley Road.

Travel Advisory – possible detours/closures on #BChwy1 westbound through #NorthVancouver between Mtn Hwy and Lynn Valley Rd.
Tow trucks restoring access and maintenance contractor continue treating with abrasives.
Please avoid if not using winter tires.https://t.co/39Lnpkivuu

— BC Transportation (@TranBC) December 18, 2022

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and police are reportedly dealing with spun-out vehicles westbound at the bottom of the cut.

Tow trucks are restoring access, the advisory says, while the ministry’s maintenance contractor continues to treat Highway 1 with abrasives.

Drivers with vehicles not properly equipped with winter tires are advised to avoid this section of Highway 1.

Drivers can also assist maintenance crews by moving over safely when they see a vehicle with an amber light approaching; this allows maintenance crews to clear the snow and improve road conditions to reduce hazards for drivers and help them get home safely.

Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for current timelines and flight information before coming to the airport, and leave extra time for travelling.

Airport Delays 

The heavy snow is also disrupting traffic towards Vancouver airport.

We expect snow throughout the day & can anticipate some delays due to winter weather at YVR & in the region. We advise passengers to check with their airline for flight info and leave plenty of time to get to YVR. Thanks for your patience & all the people working in the snow!

— YVR (@yvrairport) December 18, 2022

Dozens of flights have already been delayed due to snow at YVR, and in the region.

Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for current timelines and flight information before coming to the airport, and leave extra time for travelling.

Snowy three-phase event

According to CityNews meteorologist Michael Kuss, the effects of today’s snow accumulation and persistent arctic air will continue to impact weather conditions and roads up till mid next week.

“The blast of snow today is just the initial phase. The arctic air slumping down across the South Coast is really blanketing the entire province of B.C,” Kuss said. “We will see this arctic air in place for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.”

Snow continuing around Metro Vancouver. 5+cm already down in many areas. Arctic front lingers so could see another 5-10cm today with possibly another round on Tuesday. #BCStorm #snow @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/794C1yhJ7o

— Michael Kuss (@Kusswx) December 18, 2022

“The snow that is already on the ground will be blowing around and with the temperatures dropping off, it’s going to turn to absolute concrete as it freezes rock solid with temperatures dropping,” Kuss explained. “As the snow tapers off on Sunday, and another blast of snow is possible on Tuesday with warmer air pushing in Wednesday into Thursday –  when that arrives that’s going to create a whole other layer of precipitation, freezing rain and snow mixing in, so it’s sort of a three-phase event!”

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