Snowfall warnings issued for areas north of Lower Mainland

A white Christmas isn’t in the forecast for the Lower Mainland, but snowfall warnings are in effect for areas covering major highways to and from.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says heavy snow is expected to fall on the Coquihalla Highway and Fraser Canyon Wednesday.

The agency says a weather system from the south will bring up to 10 centimetres of snow to the Fraser Canyon area, and up to 15 centimetres along stretches of the Coquihalla Highway. The Coquihalla Highway was closed Monday night through Tuesday morning due to multiple vehicle incidents amid snowfall.

Meanwhile, another warning is in effect for a stretch of the Sea to Sky Highway between Squamish and Whistler. ECCC says 15 to 25 cms are expected to fall on the area until the evening. The same warning has been issued for areas north of Whistler.

The agency says driving will be difficult with reduced visibility and road closures likely.

“Allow extra time for travel. If driving, turn on your lights, slow down and maintain a safe following distance. Prepare for possible disruptions to transportation, services, and utilities,” said ECCC.

The forecasts mean snow clearers will be busy maintaining B.C. roads for holiday travellers.

Brad Caton, CEO of Invictus Professional Snowfighters, says the work often goes unnoticed.

“It’s in the middle of the night, and you’ll go to bed, and then you’ll wake up, and your parking stall is cleared. And you can come to work, and walk on the sidewalks, and a lot of times, people just don’t even think of it,” said Caton.

He recalled one snowfall that kept him working for four days straight.

Caton’s coworker, Luke Jackson, says small gestures, like offers of food and coffee and a simple “thank you,” go a long way.

“Even though it’s little things, when you’re 24 hours into something, it’s much appreciated,” said Jackson.

In the Lower Mainland, 1130 NewsRadio Meteorologist Carl Lam says mostly dry weather should hold through Thursday morning.

“But by the time we get into the evening, some of those rain showers will start to sneak in, and there could be a few wet flurries mixing in too,” said Lam.

He says the flurries are unlikely to accumulate, but “it may set the mood Thursday night, just to remind us that it is indeed Christmas.”

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