STORM CENTRE: Fraser Valley expecting freezing rain, warning issued
Posted January 18, 2024 5:34 am.
Last Updated January 18, 2024 12:10 pm.
A snowfall warning officially ended in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Wednesday evening, but the Lower Mainland is still dealing with winter weather conditions.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for the Fraser Valley, as the region cleans up the aftermath of the record-setting snowstorm Thursday.
Listen to CityNews1130 LIVE now!Heavy snowflakes fell for more than 12 hours on Wednesday, with some areas receiving over 25 centimetres of snow.
CityNews Meteorologist Michael Kuss explains there is more wintery weather on the way with precipitation Thursday evening.
“It’s not over yet,” Kuss said. “There’s still a messy mix of weather on the way through the evening.”
However, Kuss described Thursday morning as “pretty quiet” and a “clean-up morning with breaks in the cloud first thing.”
“We are going to see the precipitation slowly track in from the south and southwest. … [going] to see some sprinkles and light flurries around the area. The potential is there for freezing rain, especially in eastern Metro Vancouver and then lingering out in the Valley where those ice secretions could be more substantial as that period of freezing rain lasts longer.”
Kuss explains that as the mercury rises late Thursday evening, the Lower Mainland will see a transition to rain, with it being “pretty wet overnight” with showers expected Friday.
“Longer range, we’re starting to get into the meltdown heading into the weekend.”
More storm coverage
While main roads and highways are generally clear of ice and snow, neighbourhood side streets are making the Thursday morning commute difficult.
CityNews traffic anchor Ryan Lidemark is urging drivers to factor in extra time because some routes are “still a mess.”
“Give yourself extra time if you parked on the street, to dig out your vehicle or get out of your parking lot or driveway.”
Coupling that with snowy and icy sidewalks, some schools across the Lower Mainland have closed for the second day in a row due to the weather.
TransLink says all SkyTrain services are running on limited services for the second day in a row after reducing services Wednesday during the snowstorm.
Listen to CityNews 1130 for weather updates after traffic every 10 minutes on the ones. You can also follow Meteorologist Michael Kuss on X and subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
