Arctic outflow keeps icy roads treacherous in Vancouver
Whistler, Fraser Valley and Howe Sound warned of strong cold winds that will feel like –20 C
An "invasion" of arctic air has triggered weather warnings for the B.C. South Coast and is expected to keep roads icy across Vancouver for the next few days.
Vancouver is expected to reach a high of 0 C Monday, and positive temperatures aren't in the forecast until Wednesday, with a high of just 2 C.
"I don't know if we're going to see a lot of melting, though it is possible," said Ford Doherty of Environment Canada's Vancouver weather office.
"Around my neighbourhood in Vancouver we've got two or three inches of ice on the side streets ... and that's going to take a while to melt off."
- Vancouverites don skates to brave icy roads
- Snow returns to B.C.'s South Coast just in time for New Year's Eve
The City of Vancouver has a "full roster of staff and equipment" to tackle the remaining snow and ice on roads, according to a statement issued on Monday morning.
Crews are already responding to at least 25 calls and tackling priority hills and other areas with hand salting, brine units, salters with plows, and back hoes, said the statement.
Residents are asked to call 311 or use the VanConnect app to report problem areas.
In parts of Vancouver the streets are so icy after the New Year's Eve snowfall people have donned skates to play hockey and travel the roads.
Wind, arctic air warnings
Dense, cold air is flowing down the valleys from the B.C. Interior, leading to wind and arctic outflow warnings for parts of the B.C. South Coast, said Doherty.
Environment Canada has issued an arctic outflow warning for Whistler, Howe Sound, and the Fraser Valley including Abbotsford and Chilliwack, where it's expected to feel like –20 C with high winds overnight.
There is also a wind warning for Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands, with northeasterly winds up to 80 km/h, said Doherty.
Strong northerly winds are also expected in Howe Sound, blowing at 70 km/h, with gusts up to 90 km/h.
Arctic outflow warnings are issued when cold air flows from the Interior to coastal areas, with winds making it feel like –20 C or colder for six hours or more, said Environment Canada in a statement.