Categories: Lifestyle

Ready or not: Vancouver’s “first significant snowfall” is on its way & up to 20 cm is expected

Photo via Shutterstock

Well, Vancouver, here were are again with another snow update – because it seems that much of southern BC is in for an eventful afternoon. In fact, Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the Metro Vancouver region, with up to 20 cm expected to hit parts of the Lower Mainland. The City of Vancouver is even calling it the “first significant snowfall” of the season.

As of 6 am on Tuesday, November 29th, the warning details the following snowfall accumulations:

North Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Maple Ridge: 10 to 20 cm of snow expected (25 cm over higher terrain)
City of Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Langley, and Abbotsford: 10 to 15 cm of snow expected
Richmond and Delta: 5 to 10 cm of snow expected
Chilliwack and Hope: 20 to 25 cm of snow from Tuesday evening to Wednesday evening

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Travel updates

According to Environment Canada, folks should be prepared to adjust their driving with changing road conditions, as “rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult,” and visibility “may suddenly be reduced.”

Fortunately, the City of Vancouver has already opened up heating centres and additional shelter spaces for those who need refuge from the cold. As well, the City is prioritizing snow and ice treatment on major roads and bus routes, bridges, emergency access routes, 16 major bike routes, and school routes. While snow is not yet on the ground, the official response plan is underway.

As far as commuting goes, there are no current delays listed on Translink’s website. However, it’s a good idea to sign up for alerts if you take transit often, and read up on their winter travel and safety tips.

And the same goes for flight delays at YVR. Currently, the delay status is “low” on FlightStats, although there are some cancellations later this morning. The Weather Network does predict “possible weather delays due to snow,” so make sure to check in with your airlines and sign up for alerts if you’re doing any travelling this week.

Bring out the shovels, Vancouver!