Close X
Thursday, September 26, 2024
ADVT 
National

Winter weather settles in over B.C. with warning of treacherous roads, avalanche risk

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 09 Jan, 2024 05:44 PM
  • Winter weather settles in over B.C. with warning of treacherous roads, avalanche risk

British Columbia's government is warning residents of treacherous roads, cold temperatures and dangerous avalanche conditions as the year's first blast of winter settles in.

The Ministry of Emergency Management said after a warm start to winter, the forecast has returned to what is more seasonal and will remain that way for the days and weeks ahead.

After emerging from a series of snow and wind advisories, B.C. is now in for some frigid weather, with a forecast of bitter cold in the northern part of the province with a prediction of -41 C in Fort St. John by Friday night and -7 C for the same time in Vancouver.

The ministry issued a statement Tuesday urging drivers to be prepared for changing road conditions and avoid unnecessary travel in poor weather.

It also said people who use the backcountry need to be mindful of conditions and "use extreme caution in mountainous terrain."

Avalanche Canada classified the terrain as "very dangerous" for mountains throughout much of Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, the Sea to Sky and Fraser Valley regions, as well as the east Kootenay area, including Fernie.

The avalanche forecaster said the danger is high in both the alpine and treeline after more than 30 centimetres of snow and extreme winds created touchy storm slabs ready to come down.

"We are confident the likelihood of avalanche will increase with the arrival of the forecast weather," Avalanche Canada said in its summary.

RCMP in Merritt cautioned drivers on how quickly conditions on the Coquihalla Highway can change in the winter months.

Mounties said one person died in a crash on the highway Monday.

Police said a Ford pickup truck was travelling south when it crossed into oncoming traffic, hitting a semi-truck and trailer.

Investigators said the driver of the pickup truck was declared dead at the scene, while a passenger was airlifted to hospital.

Videos posted online Tuesday showed vehicles losing traction and sliding down roads in Kamloops, B.C., while others showed whitecap waves crashing into the west coast of Vancouver Island, where thousands woke up without power.

More than 18,000 people were without power at the peak of high winds on Tuesday, mostly in the Lower Mainland, on the Sunshine Coast and on Vancouver Island, including parts of Victoria.

BC Ferries cancelled some sailings on routes between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island on Tuesday.

MORE National ARTICLES

Fire engulfs Vancouver building

Fire engulfs Vancouver building
A 40-suite apartment building in Vancouver's Mount Pleasant neighbourhood has been destroyed by fire. Flames broke out last night and tore through the older three-storey structure, collapsing the roof.

Fire engulfs Vancouver building

Metro Vancouver water restrictions enter Stage 2

Metro Vancouver water restrictions enter Stage 2
Metro Vancouver says Stage 2 water-use restrictions begin next Friday -- halting all lawn watering until further notice and limiting other outdoor water use. Metro Vancouver chair George Harvie says the restrictions should ensure enough drinking water -- and water for essential uses -- is available throughout the dry season.

Metro Vancouver water restrictions enter Stage 2

Two missing hikers found dead in Crowsnest Pass in Rocky Mountains: Alberta RCMP

Two missing hikers found dead in Crowsnest Pass in Rocky Mountains: Alberta RCMP
Mounties say two Alberta hikers have been found dead at the bottom of a ridge at Mount Coulthard, a summit in the Rocky Mountains. RCMP were informed Wednesday night that the two hikers who were making their way along the North York Creek Plane Crash Trail, outside Coleman, Alta., had not returned when planned. 

Two missing hikers found dead in Crowsnest Pass in Rocky Mountains: Alberta RCMP

Growth in Canadian economy in May

Growth in Canadian economy in May
Statistics Canada says the energy sector was down 2.1 per cent in May -- its first decline in five months and its largest since August 2020.  Canada's record-breaking wildfire season led many mining and oil and gas companies to reduce their operations in Alberta.  

Growth in Canadian economy in May

Province wants feedback on ride hailing, taxi

Province wants feedback on ride hailing, taxi
The B-C government says it wants to hear from British Columbians about taxi and ride-hailing services in the province. The province says it's holding a public meeting in the fall as a special committee is set to review so-called passenger-directed vehicles that come under the Passenger Transportation Act.   

Province wants feedback on ride hailing, taxi

Street expansion coming for Surrey

Street expansion coming for Surrey
City council in Surrey has awarded a contract for designing the widening of 132nd Street between 72nd Avenue to 80th Avenue. The city says in a news release that the expansion to four lanes aims to improve traffic and safety.

Street expansion coming for Surrey