A snowfall warning is in effect for Richmond, with Environment Canada expecting anywhere from five to 15 centimetres of snow, starting late this evening.
The forecast calls for snow mixed with rain through Friday night, with temperatures hovering around zero degrees Celsius.
The snow should fully turn to rain on Saturday. However, that rain will then turn to showers or flurries Saturday night, as temperatures dip below freezing.
With temperatures bouncing above and below freezing, Richmond may see more rain than snow after the storm system takes roots over the region and warms the air.
Come Sunday, the city can expect showers in the day and flurries in the night.
Monday is expected to be sunny and cold.
The City of Richmond is presently salting main arterial roads. Crews will work around the clock tonight and tomorrow to ensure the roads are plowed.
By Monday, crews can be expected to clear “third priority routes,” or connecting roads within neighbourhoods, if necessary.
Residents are asked to clear street drains as slush piles up.
Residents needing assistance with snow removal are encouraged to access the Snow Angels registry. These volunteer organizations have registered to assist the elderly Richmond residents and those with mobility challenges during heavy snowfalls.
Candidates in need of snow removal can call Richmond City Hall at 604-276-4000, the City’s Parks and Recreation department at 604-244-1208 or any Richmond community centre. The registry can also be accessed online at Richmond.ca/Winter.
Volunteer Snow Angels are needed, especially during weekday business hours. Please call 604-247-4453 if you are interested in volunteering.
Snow response by the numbers:
960
- metric tonnes of salt secured by the city. (500 additional tonnes on hand, if needed)
217
-kilometres of main ("first priority") roads in need of plowing
6
-Road temperature sensors used by the city to determine de-icing strategies
10
-Dump trucks with ploughs
5
-F550S's with snow ploughs
5
-Backhoes
4
-Mobile walk-behind snow blowers
