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Heavy snowfall warning prompts preparation alert for the Tri-Cities

Up to 35 cm of snow could fall at higher elevations by Saturday night (Feb. 25). Here's how you can be ready for the conditions.
Kyle Balzer
Kyle Balzer
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The Tri-Cities could see up to 35 cm of snow accumulate at higher elevations by Saturday night (Feb. 25), per Environment Canada's snowfall warning.Janis Cleugh, Tri-City News

Bring the shovels back out and hopefully, you've kept your winter tires on.

Environment Canada is anticipating a "significant weather system" that includes between 15 and 25 cm of heavy snow across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody Saturday night (Feb. 25).

This could include up to 35 cm at higher elevations, according to the national agency in its updated snowfall warning before 2 p.m. today (Feb. 24).

Temperatures could drop as low as -10°C with the wind chill, thanks to 20 km/h easterly gusts.

As a result, local municipalities are warning residents and homeowners to be prepared for potential treacherous conditions, especially when out on the roads.

"Everyone is urged to use caution, and to stay home where possible when weather conditions are bad," said Coquitlam spokesperson Kathleen Vincent in a city statement, noting snow crews are getting ready for the weekend.

"Coquitlam city crews have been monitoring the weather forecasts and, over the last several days, have been hard at work applying salt to reduce potential icing issues."

 

Environment Canada added there is some uncertainty about the exact snowfall amounts "due to the variability in the track of the low-pressure system and the strength of the Arctic outflow winds."

The snow is expected to ease by Sunday morning (Feb. 26), but meteorologists warn that weather conditions could change on a moment's notice.

In Port Coquitlam, Mayor Brad West says all available hands are on deck for snow-salting and -clearing.

In a social media post, West explains brine has been applied to all routes, including a second round at higher elevations, to ensure proper traction for those that need to be out on the road.

Be prepared

In each Tri-Cities community, residents are being urged to help their city by clearing catch basins of snow and debris to prevent possible flooding when the snow melts.

As well, homeowners are encouraged to lend a helping hand to neighbours by shovelling sidewalks in residential and business areas.

In Coquitlam, a total of 19 trucks are currently pre-salting and will stand by with plows and sanders to ensure roads are safe for those that need to commute or head out on the road.

For drivers, the city is set to activate "when declared" parking restrictions tomorrow at 2 p.m. to allow snowplows to clear priority routes (see video below).

B.C.'s transportation ministry added the Port Mann Bridge could be dicey during the snowfall warning.

Government technicians are set to be stationed on the Coquitlam-Surrey connector and enforce lane closures to clear any snow and ice that accumulates.

As it's a provincial bridge, the Port Mann could also be closed on short notice during a snowfall event "to prioritize driver and passenger safety."

Meanwhile, Tri-Cities' homeless population can seek shelter at the following locations:

You can visit your city's respective website for more winter and snow preparedness tips:

- with a file from Elana Shepert, Vancouver Is Awesome