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Snow could be back soon as Environment Canada issues alert for Tri-Cities

Up to five centimetres is predicted to fall by the Monday morning commute (Dec. 6) and residents are urged to take precautions.
Kyle Balzer
Kyle Balzer
CoquitlamWestwoodPlateauSnowDec42021EricMewhort
Coquitlam's Westwood Plateau saw a healthy dump of snow the morning of Dec. 4, 2021.Eric Mewhort

The Tri-Cities saw its first official snowfall this morning (Dec. 4), but according to residents, most of it has already melted.

However, Environment Canada is warning the region of more white stuff potentially on the way and could impact the morning commute on Monday (Dec. 6).

A special weather statement by the national service explains at least five centimetres of snow could fall starting tomorrow night (Dec. 5) for Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.

Snow could also be heavier at higher elevations and inland sections, Environment Canada meteorologists explain, such as Westwood Plateau, Citadel Heights, Burke Mountain and Heritage Woods.

"Snow from the system will start over Vancouver Island Sunday evening and spread to the mainland overnight. The snow is expected to taper off Monday morning. As snow levels hover near the surface over some localities, the snow could be wet or mixed with rain."

If you're venturing to Vancouver Island, Environment Canada is predicting up to 10 cm of snow.

Regardless, Tri-City residents are being urged to stay prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions in the next 48 hours.

HOW CITY CREWS ARE PREPARING?

In Coquitlam, roads are being pre-salted in anticipation of colder weather.

As early as 4 a.m. today (Dec. 4), crews have been on standby for more salting and possible snow plowing depending on the severity of the event.

"Our equipment is prepared and the salt shed is stocked, we will focus on our priority roads which include arterial and collector roads at higher elevations," stated Inder Tung, public works manager. 

For more information, including the city's snow plowing policy, visit here.

In Port Moody, city crews have completed pre-salting Priority 1 and 2 roads on Thursday (Dec. 2) in advance of colder temperatures last night, and are completing pre-salting on all other remaining roads today as well as some sidewalks and pedestrian areas. 

Residents are encouraged to visit the following:

Port Coquitlam has two trucks applying salt brine to the city's road network and staff will monitor the weather forecasts and respond appropriately, according to the city's mayor.

In an email, Mayor Brad West said the city has a comprehensive snow and Ice plan.

He noted as well that brining is an effective preventative measure which serves as a barrier between the pavement surface and snow, reducing the likelihood of icy roads making the road network much safer.

PoCo residents are encouraged to visit the city's website for tips and information.

- with files from Diane Strandberg, Tri-City News