Unexpected snowfall caused traffic delays around Gilmore SkyTrain Station in Burnaby, B.C., on Thursday afternoon. (Source: CBC)
Metro Vancouver experienced a heavy snowfall on Thursday, disrupting the afternoon commute and leading to numerous delays, collisions, skidding, and spin-outs on major routes. While the snowfall diminished later in the evening, icy conditions persisted, creating hazardous driving situations across the region.
In response to the challenging conditions, Vancouver police closed a significant section of Davie Street in the West End, and in New Westminster, drivers were cautioned about multiple semi-trucks and buses stranded on the Queensborough Bridge. Motorists were also urged to avoid the McGill Street off-ramp on the westbound lanes of Highway 1 due to icy conditions.
Vancouver Fire Rescue Services took to social media, advising people to refrain from driving unless absolutely necessary, particularly on hills. Firefighters were actively addressing several vehicle incidents, with approximately 30 reported crashes in the city by 4:45 p.m. PT.
Richmond RCMP reported a substantial crash involving over 25 vehicles on Highway 91 east of Nelson Road. The Transportation Ministry had to close the southbound counterflow lane of the George Massey Tunnel in Richmond just before 5 p.m. due to extremely slippery conditions, causing multiple vehicles to struggle with traction. The lane reopened after being plowed and salted around 6:30 p.m.
In North Vancouver, a transit bus lost traction on Highway 1 at Mountain Highway around 3 p.m., blocking most westbound traffic. Within 30 minutes, the bus and other spun-out vehicles were cleared to the right lane, allowing two lanes of traffic to resume.
TransLink reported detours and delays on several bus routes, as well as disruptions to SkyTrain's Millennium Line, all attributed to the adverse weather conditions.
Environment Canada recorded two centimetres of snow at Vancouver International Airport by 4 p.m., signalling the end of the worst of the snowstorm. Despite this, the City of North Vancouver deployed four trucks to salt roads, with an additional focus on cycling routes, and committed to ongoing efforts throughout the night to clear roads.
High winds compounded travel challenges, affecting ferry services in the region on Thursday night. B.C. Ferries, citing heightened wave heights between Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island, cancelled all sailings from 9:30 p.m. onward. The ferry corporation warned that if conditions did not improve, Friday morning sailings might also face cancellations.
