Snow, black ice a huge problem for commuters

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ABBOTSFORD (NEWS1130) – For yet another day there are some tough road conditions for drivers, especially in the Fraser Valley.  There are reports of compound snow in the Sumas area in Abbotsford, as well as black ice across all major and minor routes throughout the Lower Mainland.

Nearly every road in Aldergrove is covered in snow, everything from the side roads to parking lots.  Beyond Chilliwack, we’ve had reports of extreme winter driving conditions.

Folks in the Fraser Valley will see five to 10 cm of new snow today, that’s on top of the 30 to 40 cm that has already fallen.

Metro Vancouver will see a few flurries today; about one to three cm.  That will taper off this afternoon, but thanks to the arctic ridge of high pressure moving across the outer coast we can expect temperatures to dip down to -7 C.

Driver beware

There is a plea from tow truck drivers as people struggle to get to where they need to go today.  Jill Dowse with Jack’s Towing in Abbotsford says they’ve been busy pulling people out of ditches and they ask that other drivers be careful when passing a working tow truck.

“Definitely, just keep on going safely and giving our drivers and our staff here lots of room to work.  It can be dangerous at times.”

Dowse adds drivers should top up their windshield wiper fluid before leaving the house, just to be safe.

Allan Lamb with BCAA says in winter conditions people should drive slowly, give yourself plenty of room between cars and when you hit black ice steer in the direction you want to go.  “Don’t apply your brakes, don’t oversteer, just be calm and make sure you’re steering in the direction you want to go.”

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