LOWER MAINLAND (NEWS 1130) – A snowfall warning is up for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, and the flakes are falling.
We’ve heard reports of flurries on the North Shore, in the Tri-Cities and south of the Fraser.
NEWS 1130 Meteorologist Michael Kuss says conditions are going to get worse as we push through the day.
“The light, wet flurries that we’ve seen around the area this morning will intensify as we get toward the tail-end of the morning drive and last through about noon or early into the afternoon. That’s when the accumulations will really start taking place across the area.”
Michael expects five to 10 centimetres to fall in a swath from West Vancouver, out across the Tri-Cities and down into Abbotsford. “That’s where the snow is going to be the most intense.”
Snowfall Warning for Vancouver area. Heaviest swath from West Van to Abbotsford from 9 AM to Noon today (2/22) #BCStorm pic.twitter.com/ddxV4Eb01t
— Michael Kuss (@Kusswx) February 22, 2019
Traffic a mess getting out of Delta
Crews have closed down a northbound lane on the Alex Fraser Bridge to allow them to spray de-icer on the upper parts of the span. Traffic has been backed up on Highway 91 and all the feeder routes.
BIG delays at the #AlexFraser northbound as crews try to stay on top of the ice forming on the cables.#BCHwy91 heavy from #BCHwy10#MasseyTunnel picking up all the extra volume pic.twitter.com/RmyC2frXoA
— NEWS 1130 Traffic (@NEWS1130Traffic) February 22, 2019
Crews with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure are also working to prevent any “ice bombs” from falling on cars using the Alex Fraser and Port Mann Bridges.
“Rest assured that if there’s a requirement to do it, we will have staff there, monitoring and be prepared to drop those collars, should it be warranted,” said Ed Miska with the ministry.
He says it is possible, if we get wet, sticky snow and above-freezing temperatures.
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“These collars that are up near the top, those are released one at a time, when appropriate. As those descend the cables due to gravity, they knock the snow off,” he explained.
The collars were dropped last week on the Alex Fraser Bridge, during more severe snowfall.
The first collar drops on the #AlexFraserBridge. This is just to clear existing accumulation before rush hour. We'll drop again later in anticipation of light flurries tonight. For any travel impacts, check https://t.co/NCVlkn102s #vancouver #deltaBC #richmondBC pic.twitter.com/SwjDQjhsD1
— BC Transportation (@TranBC) February 12, 2019
Expect delays on SkyTrain
TransLink says the Expo and Millennium Lines are running consistently, but with reduced frequency. The transit authority says this is because they have to have staff on the trains, watching out for weather-related problems on the tracks.
Good morning! Customer Infois now open. Expo & Millennium Lines are running consistently, but with reduced frequency due to the need to have staff on trains to watch for weather related problems on the tracks. Please be prepared to wait longer on the platform between trains. ^RR
— TransLink BC (@TransLink) February 22, 2019
Listen live for traffic and weather updates every 10 minutes on the ones. You can also follow us on Twitter @NEWS1130Traffic, @kusswx and @NEWS1130Weather or subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
– With files from Estefania Duran
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