Fraser Valley freezing rain warning issued | CityNews Vancouver

Posted January 18, 2024 11:19 am.

Last Updated January 18, 2024 11:57 am.

The Fraser Valley — from Langley to Hope — is under a freezing rain warning Thursday, as a “prolonged period” of cold air and moisture is expected in the region.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued the warning early Thursday, saying snow will first develop in the area before precipitation transitions into freezing rain later in the evening.

“The freezing rain will persist through this evening over Langley then transition to rain. Freezing rain will continue through Friday morning over Abbotsford and Friday afternoon over Chilliwack, then transition to rain,” ECCC said Thursday.

The weather agency expects snow in Hope through until Friday morning, when the freezing rain will begin.

“Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery,” ECCC warned. “Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions.”

CityNews Meteorologist Michael Kuss explains Thursday morning is “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 says that as the mercury rises late Thursday evening, the Lower Mainland will be “pretty wet overnight,” with showers expected Friday.

“Longer range, we’re starting to get into the meltdown heading into the weekend.”

Meanwhile, the B.C. government says it’s preparing for the freezing rain in the region, explaining its maintenance contractors will be out in “full force” applying brine and abrasives, and clearing snow when it accumulates.

“However, freezing rain is one of the most difficult weather conditions to effectively manage, and bridges and roads may be closed to traffic in the interest of public safety,” it said.

The Ministry of Transport says the cable collar systems on the Port Mann and Alex Fraser bridges will be in operation.

“Drivers can help maintenance crews by providing space for them on highways and moving over safely when they see a vehicle with an amber light approaching. This will allow crews to improve road conditions and reduce hazards for drivers.”

Mainroad Lower Mainland Contracting says it is preparing for the weather to impact the Lower Mainland thoroughfares.

“Travel, unless essential, is not recommended. Mainroad crews continue to patrol the Service Area, plow, and apply salt where necessary,” the company said in a statement. “Drivers are reminded to ensure their vehicles are prepared to drive in winter conditions.”

Speaking to CityNews, General Manager Darren Ell says his crews are out trying to get as much of the residual snow off the roads as much as possible.

“As we get into that freezing-rain-type scenario, we’ll be watching. When it starts coming in, we’ll be salting with crystal product as much as we can, just to make sure we got that salt down and ready to go,” he said.

Ell explains crews are also ready to lay down sand if the conditions deteriorate rapidly.

As the region heads into possibly its third day of snow- and ice-related hazards, Ell says he understands people’s desire to get out of the house and go into the office, even though the conditions may not be ideal.

“It’s a hard one to guide or judge. Unfortunately, weather comes in [and it’s] very unpredictable how it comes in. So, we suggest people to stay away from the roads just to be as safe as possible, especially if you don’t know how to drive in the snow.”

“If you don’t have to drive, don’t be out there.”

Just one vehicle spinning out can create congestion and take a route out of commission, Ell explains.

“The biggest thing that we find is it only takes one or two vehicles to spin out and create that congestion and gridlock. Once the traffic stops, it just jams up so quickly. So, [if] there’s fewer people out on the road, it makes it so much better for us to manage those highways.”

Meanwhile, the province’s electricity provider says it is watching the forecast closely and has crews ready to respond to any outages due to the weather.

“The good news is, we have restored 99 per cent of the 80,000 customers who experienced outages because of yesterday’s snowstorm. So, short answer is – we’re prepared, but customers should prepare too in case of outages,” said BC Hydro spokesperson Susie Rieder.

“It’s important to have an emergency kit with 72 hours of supplies, including water and an external phone charger.”

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.