Snow or freezing rain: Your afternoon commute could be a slippery one
Posted February 14, 2019 11:27 am.
Last Updated February 14, 2019 11:29 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
LOWER MAINLAND (NEWS 1130) – Your drive home from work could be a bit of an adventure, depending on what part of the region you’re in. Wintry conditions are expected once again for your afternoon commute.
NEWS 1130 meteorologist Russ Lacate says the leading edge of the incoming winter storm arrives early afternoon, though conditions start deteriorating later in the day in time for the traffic rush home from work.
The Fraser Valley is expected to get snow or freezing rain. We could also see that in parts of Metro Vancouver.
RELATED: Another snowfall warning for Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley
Darren Ell with Mainroad says crews are already on the highways, working on salting the routes.
“They’re widening out the shoulders to make sure that the snow is well off the roads, off the shoulders. And we’re continuing to clean out the sidewalks.”
They may also start plowing if more snow comes down.
“The weather coming in, it sounds like it’s not pinned down exactly. It could be rain, it could be rain and snow mixed, it could be freezing rain. We’re preparing for the worst-case scenario.”
WATCH: NEWS 1130 meteorologist Russ Lacate says we’re in for another blast of wintry weather
He says the relatively mild daytime temperatures are working in their favour. “Salt is going to be a really good de-icing chemical for us.”
Ell adds crews have been out since the last snow event. “They haven’t stood down yet. They’re still out there on 12-hour shifts, making sure everything is cleaned out.”
RELATED: Slippery, snowy sidewalks and roads ahead of more wintry weather
If you see a truck or snowplow out there, give them space. Ell says you should stay 10 car lengths away.
“A lot of times, salt is coming out the back. It’s crystalized salt, so it’s like little pebbles. If the plows are down, stay away. Do not pass on the righthand side. We’ve said that many times, but people continue to pass between our two trucks when they’re plowing.”
He notes that’s a very dangerous move. “There’s a lot of debris that comes off that highway and we don’t know what kind of projectiles could be coming out the end of the plow.”
“They will pull over. Be patient. Let them clear the road in front of you, and then they’ll pull over and let you through, at some point.”
If you’re taking transit today, keep in mind the SkyTrain is running at reduced frequency, with staff on trains looking for problems on the tracks.
Listen live for traffic updates every 10 minutes on the ones. You can also follow us on Twitter @NEWS1130Traffic or subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
