Whiteout conditions in Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland thumped by latest snowstorm

The snowy conditions just won’t let up — the Lower Mainland woke up to being blanketed by a massive snowstorm, and conditions across the region are at their worst.

In the Fraser Valley, which usually gets hit hard during these kinds of weather events, there are reported whiteout conditions between Whatcom Road and Chilliwack.

I may be from #Alberta… but #Vancouver is really something else today

I didn’t see it stop snowing once from 9pm Monday-6am today, and it’s still coming down

(Pardon the goofy snow walk)#BCStorm #StayHome #ComingHomeFromWork #OvernightLife pic.twitter.com/h4QN73KEbu

— Raynaldo Suarez (@RaynaldoSuarez) December 20, 2022

Abbotsford Police Department tell CityNews their members were out rescuing drivers who had gotten stuck Tuesday morning and were getting them to safety and warmth. AbbyPD is also begging people to stay off the road because it’s not safe, and that warning really goes for the entire region.

Good morning #Abbotsford . Please note that there are extreme white out #snow conditions between Whatcom Road & Chilliwack on Highway 1. We recommend that people do not attempt to travel as salt trucks are unable to get through and multiple vehicles are in the ditch. Stay safe! pic.twitter.com/V6dbeQ3VC5

— Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept) December 20, 2022

For weeks now, dating back to our first snowfall, we’ve been fielding complaints from people who are questioning the snow-clearing efforts of crews. And once again, the provincial government is pointing the finger at those, who they say, are unprepared drivers who aren’t equipped with the proper tires to be out in these conditions, using Sunday’s mess on the Upper Levels Highway on the North Shore as an example.

“Early Sunday morning, several vehicles unprepared for winter spun out at the bottom of ‘The Cut’ on Highway 1, just west of the Ironworkers Bridge, blocking snowplow access. After tow trucks cleared the area, maintenance contractors treated Highway 1 with additional abrasives, and performed multiple snowplow passes of Highway 1 westbound and eastbound,” says the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in a statement.

Compact snow with slippery sections across the #LowerMainland. Do not travel unless your vehicle is equipped with winter tires, working head & taillights, wipers, and snow has been cleared off your vehicle. For #BCHwy conditions see https://t.co/MNovn5LekK #shiftintowinter #BC pic.twitter.com/KTK9MJcRCP

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 20, 2022

It claims crews have been out in full force since the weekend to ensure roads are clear and doubles down on putting some of the onus on drivers for being prepared.

However, not everyone agrees. Some people have taken to social media to voice their frustration.

I’ve lived in Newfoundland, New York, Ontario and the Lower Mainland all in winter months. The lower mainland is the absolute worst I’ve ever seen for winter road maintenance. Major fail every time it snows. Disgraceful!

— unclemartind (@terrancedooley) December 20, 2022

“Drivers can also assist maintenance crews by moving over safely when they see a vehicle with an amber light approaching.  This also maintenance crews to clear the snow and improve road conditions to reduce hazards for drivers,” the ministry says.

Staying off the road is the safe thing to do but taking transit may be challenging as well. TransLink is warning people of heavy delays on both the bus network and SkyTrain because the conditions are so bad.

Related Articles:

• Massive snowfall causes chaos at YVR, passengers stuck on tarmac for hours

• BC Ferries cancels all southern route sailings due to snow

• B.C. health minister asks drivers to stay off the roads as snow hits

The transit authority is even going so far to tell people to avoid taking transit if they can, adding there is minimal bus service in some areas including Vancouver, the North Shore and Burnaby.

BC Ferries is also dealing with a temporary closure of its service today because of the weather.

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