Another winter blast is rolling into the South Coast.
Environment Canada has issued snowfall warning and says “significant snow” is expected for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Tuesday.
A special weather statement remains in effect for Howe Sound and parts of Vancouver Island.
Global BC meteorologist Kristi Gordon says light snow is expected to develop Tuesday during the morning commute, before picking up steam in the late morning and early afternoon.
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The evening commute is likely to be challenging, she said.
Snowfall amounts are expected to vary widely across the region.
Gordon said areas near the water, such as Delta and Tsawwassen will transition to rain fairly quickly, with as little as zero to five centimetres of snow.
Areas further inland could see snow persist until 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., and accumulations of between five and 20 centimetres of snow, she said.
On Vancouver Island, Victoria and other areas near the water are forecast to get fewer than five centimetres of snow.
Areas further from the water and parts of the east coast of the island from Cowichan to Campbell River will see wet snow throughout the morning with up to 15 centimetres possible in some areas.
TransLink said it will be operating the Millennium Line in four-car configurations because of the snow, which will increase capacity but reduce frequency of trains.
Commuters are being warned that delays are possible, and to dress warmly and plan extra time into their trip.
Spokesperson Jill Drews said extra staff will be deployed to the SkyTrain system in a bid to prevent a repeat of door-closing problems seen during January’s snowstorm.
“We have what we’re calling ‘pit crews’ of SkyTrain station attendants at key location in the system, so they’ll inspect every train that’s coming through and make sure to get rid of much snow and ice from the doors to prevent any delays on the system,” she said.
The agency says warmer air will move into Vancouver Island Tuesday afternoon, bringing rain.
The Ministry of Transportation said it will be monitoring the weather closely and will mobilize technicians and traffic control on the Port Mann and Alex Fraser bridges during the morning and evening commutes.
The City of Vancouver has activated four warming centres in anticipation of the inclement weather.
It is also reminding residents of the requirement to clear the sidewalks in front of their properties by 10 a.m..
That rain is expected to move across the remainder of the South Coast, including Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, by Wednesday.
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