With snow in the forecast for the weekend, as well as next week, Vancouver Island motorists are being warned of substandard road conditions.
Areas of BC, including Vancouver Island, the lower mainland and Howe Sound can expect sub-zero temperatures and snow this weekend, depending on the region.
A special weather statement issued by Environment Canada says that the southern coastal regions of BC can expect snow accumulation, with snowfall expected to take place first at higher elevations, beginning on Friday, January 31st.
As of this publication, snowfall has already begun north of Campbell River and this weather system is expected to continue south, bringing snow and sleet to southern regions of the island.
“The cold-weather system will persist, with snow and freezing rain forecast at sea level across the South Coast over the weekend and early into next week,” said the Province in a media release.
There is expected to be upward of 5 to 20 cm of snowfall, with accumulation on the roads at times.
Motorists in the affected areas are being urged to use caution and only drive if their vehicles have been winterized appropriately.
This means that winter tires are required to travel through all high-elevation areas, such as the Malahat corridor of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Additionally, the Province warns people who choose to take to the roads to prepare for delays and ensure their vehicles are stocked with necessary emergency supplies, which include food, water and blankets.
“On Vancouver Island, maintenance crews are proactively applying anti-icing brine and are closely monitoring conditions,” reads the Province’s media release.
“The ministry will be working closely with its contractors to ensure plows and tow trucks are deployed quickly during snowy conditions.”
Those who travel on highways over the weekend are reminded to leave space for maintenance crews and to move over safely when they see a vehicle with an amber light approaching.
Additionally, the Province urges drivers whose vehicles are not winterized to consider alternative modes of travel with the snowfall that is expected.
The British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) echoes the Province’s urgency of caution on the roads this weekend and early next week.
According to them, every winter, emergency roadside assistance teams help thousands of drivers on the road. When harsh weather hits and calls to BCAA for help can spike by 50%.
“Each winter, we see first-hand the challenges that drivers experience,” said Josh Smythe, BCAA’s Automotive Manager.
“We know that driving in cold weather and snow can be tricky but planning ahead and driving for the conditions are the most important things you can do to stay safe.”
For regions that do not receive snowfall, cold temperatures, heavy rain, ice and fog may be factors for vehicles and drivers that could cause collisions, delays and generally unsafe road conditions.
“Some of the most common roadside emergencies we see in winter weather are cars sliding off the road or getting stuck,” said Smythe.
“Additionally, dead batteries, frozen car locks and flat or underinflated tires are issues that we see frequently.”
To help mitigate the number of emergencies crews must respond to over the next few days, BCAA advises all drivers, no matter how experienced, to prepare for the conditions.
The following tips are recommended by the BCAA:
- Get your vehicle prepared with winter tires that are properly inflated
- Make sure crucial car parts are working such as the brakes, headlights, brake lights and windshield wipers (with topped up fluids)
- Plan a safe route by using resources such as DriveBC, while avoiding the steep hills, unplowed streets or parking lots
- Have a roadside emergency kit with a shovel, a windshield scraper and brush, a flashlight with fully charged batteries, highly visible winter outerwear, warm clothes, winter boots, gloves, a blanket, battery jumper cables, a supply of non-perishable food and water as well as a spare container of winter-grade windshield washer fluid
- Clear snow and defrost your windows fully before driving
- Slow down and match your driving to the conditions, making sure to slow down and leave more room between you and the vehicle ahead
- Use car technology sparingly such as automatic light settings and cruise control
- Check tire pressure often
- Slow down and move over when emergency services and roadside crews are around you
BC motorists can check current conditions on local roads and highways via DriveBC’s website and X account.
