Plan for delays as frigid temps continue across Metro Vancouver: officials

Officials across Metro Vancouver and the greater Lower Mainland are urging people to plan for delays when commuting or travelling Friday, as the region continues to shiver through sub-zero temperatures.

Major transit providers in the region suggest adding extra time to get to your destination, while municipalities say they’re doing their best to clear thoroughfares for traffic.

TransLink says customers should prepare for the temperatures — which felt like -23C in Vancouver at 8:30 a.m. — by bundling up with layers. While services haven’t seen major delays, the transit provider says it’s best to plan for possible hold-ups due to the wind and cold.

Vancouver is expecting a high of -7C Friday, with windchills feeling much colder at -15C.

Earlier this week, TransLink activated its snow plan to ensure its system was ready for winter conditions.

That plan includes all the normal preparations for sanding, de-icing, and tire socks for buses. if needed. TransLink also said it is testing out new winter tires on a third of the Coast Mountain Bus Company’s fleet, which it says has the highest rating available on the market.

However, some transit vehicles were seen struggling on snow-covered roads Thursday, with some buses sliding on streets.

The frigid cold is thanks to an arctic outflow which is blanketing much of B.C. Environment and Climate Change Canada issued the arctic outflow warning for the Lower Mainland, lasting until Saturday afternoon.

“Wind chill values may moderate on Saturday afternoon but uncertainty remains on the timing of the warm-up. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes if adequate precautions are not taken when outdoors. Any skin exposure will result in frostbite,” the weather service explained.

If you’re hoping to catch a ferry between Vancouver Island and Metro Vancouver Friday, it might be best to check BC Ferries Current Conditions as “adverse weather” is affecting some sailings.

While no major routes have seen cancellations, delays to Bowen Island and the Gulf Islands have been seen.

Meanwhile, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is urging would-be flyers to add extra time to get to the airport and check with airlines for the latest status of their flights.

The City of Vancouver says that while its crews have been out overnight salting and clearing roads, “roads may still be slippery after yesterday’s snow fall.”

“Please slow down, drive for the conditions and watch out for pedestrians & cyclists,” the city said on social media.

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