Metro Vancouverites are sharing photos and videos of wintry scenes as heavy snow continues to fall across the region.
Residents of B.C.'s Lower Mainland woke up to an ample accumulation of fresh snowfall on Wednesday, Jan. 17, with amounts of around 20 cm recorded in many places by 10 a.m.
Flurries started falling in the region around 11 p.m. on Tuesday, increasing to heavier snow heading into Wednesday morning. A snowfall warning remains in place in the Metro Vancouver weather forecast, with up to 10 cm of snow expected to fall across the region until the early evening.
TransLink advises people to stay home unless they must travel for an essential purpose due to snowy conditions.
People shared images of the winter wonderland on X, formerly Twitter, remarking at the impressive quantity of snow that fell overnight and through the early morning.
Someone was up bright and early (or stayed up very late) and made a snowperson near English Bay. Snow was falling on the beach-side palm trees when local Ryan Voutilainen recorded a video of the charming scene.
But people weren't the only ones enjoying the winter wonderland.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) Mounted United shared a video of its horses playing in the fresh snowfall.
"Snow zoomies! Happy snowday," the VPD wrote in its post.
Winter storm brings ample snowfall to Metro Vancouver
Voutilainen also shared a video of BC Hydro's transmission lines bouncing in the snow. He commented that it was "so bizarre" because there wasn't very much wind.
Many emergency vehicles have trouble navigating the snowy terrain and drivers should stay off the road unless they need to travel.
The City of Vancouver also shared a post on X, stating that its crews were treating/plowing priority routes through the night. However, with more snow expected, drivers will likely continue to face treacherous conditions and should stay off the road unless they must travel.
The B.C. Ministry of Transportation shared videos of its rope access technicians (also known in the industry as RATs) clearing snow and ice from the cables on the Alex Fraser Bridge.
@alannackelly Tell a job you’d be terrified of 😦 @BC Ministry of Transportation #bcsnow #snow #snowday #bridges #scaryjob ♬ original sound - Alanna Kelly | Journalist
While snowfall amounts vary across the region, some places have already received upwards of 20 cm of snowfall. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) received 20 cm from the time an accumulation was first reported 11:27 until about 10 a.m.
Other places, such as Chilliwack, had already received upwards of 25 cm by early this morning.
Yes, drifts over 2 ft tall and tons of snow up here pic.twitter.com/okzjfIcTZw
— Justin Cathcart 🎄 (@JustinC99) January 17, 2024
There was also a considerable amount of snowfall in Vancouver proper early this morning, as drivers reported an ample accumulation during their commute.
"Winter wonderland in Vancouver, B.C. this morning with about 6” (15 cm) of snow overnight, and still coming down heavily," wrote Kent Matthiesen in a post.
Inclement weather could pose a hazard to travel and outdoor activities and people should stay home if possible.
Environment Canada cautions that "visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow." Drivers may find it difficult to navigate across highways, roads, walkways, and parking lots due to accumulating snow.
