While commuters usually face some delays during morning rush hour in Richmond, it could be worse on Friday, with Environment Canada warning of snow — but the city says it's ready for any weather changes
Environment Canada says "potential snow" could hit Metro Vancouver cities, including here in Richmond, Thursday night, when temperatures will be hovering near zero degrees thanks to a low tracking system bringing wetter, colder weather to the region.
The result, according to the weather statement, could be mixed rain and snow which will continue into Friday morning, while some higher elevation areas in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley could see up to five centimetres of snow.
And with possibility of snow, the city has announced it's "comprehensive snow response plan," which includes the use of 41 specialized pieces of equipment and vehicles to help clear snow, plus over 1,000 tonnes of salt on site at the Works Yard, with additional salt on reserve.
The priority, according to the city, is to pre-treat and clear all major arterial roads for emergency vehicles, public transit and commuters.
A map of the city's snow removal priority routes can be viewed here.
Environment Canada states the snow should change to rain by noon Friday.
However, the weather statement is also calling for strong southeasterly winds to regions near the Strait of Georgia, and says more snow is possible Saturday night and Sunday, and early next week.
Should a multi-day snowfall occur, the city says public works staff will switch to 24/7 coverage, with crews working 12 hour shifts to clear snow, lay down anti-icing liquid brine or salting roads to keep frost and ice from forming until priority routes are clear and weather conditions change.
The city is also reminding residents and the occupants of commercial and industrial buildings to clear snow from sidewalks next to their properties by 10 a.m. every day, which is required by traffic bylaw.
Snow should be shovelled onto lawns or into parking stalls, according to the city, which adds that snow shovelled into the street can be hazardous for drivers and slow down the snow-clearing process.
