Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for the province's South Coast ahead of a "major shift in the weather pattern" expected to start on Friday. The statement covers east, west and inland Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Metro Vancouver, Southern Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast and Whistler.
The weather agency said a weak warm front heading north from Washington will bring a band of light snow to the South Coast on Friday. A low pressure system is expected to follow closely behind, bringing heavier snowfall on Friday night and into Saturday morning.
The weather statement forecasts a snowfall of between five and 15 centimetres in affected areas as a result.
Snow may switch over to rain, or a combination of the two types of precipitation, by Saturday as milder air blows over the area. Freezing rain is possible in the Fraser Valley and Sea-to-Sky corridor when the warm air begins, the statement says.
A second storm is expected Sunday, which will bring more snow and rain to the same areas.
Colder temperatures are expected early next week, and more snow may fall during that time as well.
Environment Canada warns that slippery roads can be expected while the snow is falling, with temperatures hovering around the freezing mark.
Transit started experiencing headaches Friday morning as the white stuff started sticking on the roads.
The 99B-Line, the main route connecting Commercial Drive SkyTrain to UBC, was experiencing delays.
The city is a mess. pic.twitter.com/PXsqvMTuFZ
— Sheila Scott (@Sheila_Scott) February 3, 2017
Riders reported that buses were sliding and skidding out on the route on Broadway near MacDonald Street, and struggling up the hill near the Fraser Street stop.
In downtown Vancouver, at least six buses were pulled off to the side of Robson Street after experiencing issues navigating the hill incline.
Drivers experienced weather-related slowdowns across Vancouver and the North Shore. A Google traffic snapshot at 9 a.m. showed congestion on virtually all major routes.
City crews are out in full force salting/clearing major roads, bus stops, schools + emergency routes. Snow/ice problems - call 311 #vanpoli
— Gregor Robertson (@MayorGregor) February 3, 2017
Mayor Gregor Robertson issued a message on Twitter saying city crews were out salting and clearing major roads, bus stops, schools and emergency routes.
