Most major intersections in Richmond appear to have been cleared of last night’s heavy snowfall by city crews.
The snow is expected to stop in the next couple of hours and not return, according to Environment Canada, until Thursday night.
There are reports of spun-out vehicles on Highway 91 in Richmond near the Nelson Road interchange, but it would appear the approximate 25 centimetres of snow has convinced many people to stay at home today.
However, there are always a few who defy the warnings and leave home without their common sense, as Richmond RCMP discovered over the last 12 hours or so.
The Mounties tweeted that around 100 vehicles were pulled over in the space of just three hours, all with massive accumulations of snow blocking their vision.
Richmond RCMP’s Road Safety Unit is reminding drivers on the “dangers of driving with an obstructed view. If you have to be on the road give yourself extra time and clear away the snow.”
TransLink warns of massive delays on public transit
People using public transit are being told to check with TransLink before heading out and are advising customers to expect considerable delays, particularly on the bus network.
"Minimal bus services are available in some areas, including parts of Vancouver, the North Shore, and Burnaby. Those using transit should build in extra travel time and check their route by consulting our Trip Planner, signing up for transit alerts, or by following us on twitter @TransLink.
"Conditions are changing continually and further updates will be provided."
BC Ferries cancelling sailings
Meanwhile, BC Ferries has cancelled all southern route sailings Tuesday morning because of heavy snow.
At least the first two sailings on major routes to and from Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island have been cancelled and Horseshoe Bay and Langdale sailings and all Southern Gulf Island sailings have also been cancelled.
YVR cancelled all flights
It’s even worse over at Vancouver International Airport, where passengers were reportedly stuck on their airplanes on the ground for up to 12 hours.
All flights leaving YVR have been cancelled this morning due to “unprecedented” snowstorm, according to a news release from the airport.
YVR says in a statement the snowstorm has had an “unprecedented” impact on flights and operations, leading to mass cancellations.
The airport said it expects the cancellations and delays to have a knock-on effect for the rest of the week and is urging passengers to check with their airline before heading to YVR.
Drivers told to stay home
Drivers on the Lower Mainland and southern and central Vancouver Island are being told to avoid non-essential travel today due to the heavy snowfall overnight.
At least 25 centimetres of snow have fallen in the Greater Vancouver area and 30 centimetres on the Malahat and other areas of the Island. Environment Canada forecasts more snow during the next several hours.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure's maintenance contractors are out in full force to clear snow and apply sand.
For up-to-date information about road conditions, visit: https://www.drivebc.ca/ (http://www.drivebc.ca/)
