Surrey RCMP have a clear message for drivers today: Take it slow on the snowy roads and make sure you clear snow off your vehicle before hitting the street.
“Brush off your windshields,” stressed Surrey RCMP Corporal Elenore Sturko. “And take the snow off the roof of your vehicle so it doesn’t fall onto your windshield while you’re driving, or fly off.”
And of course, she added, “give yourself extra time, and expect that there will be delays.”
Around 9 a.m. Monday, Sturko said road conditions are improving as Surrey’s snow plows work to clear roads, but said “generally when we see these types of conditions as it translates to more collisions. And people do get stuck and it ends up blocking the roads.”
“Since it’s a snow day in Surrey there could be lots of kids on snowbanks,” said Sturko. “Keep an eye out for kids and pedestrians. Watch for kids who might be out enjoying the snow day, doing their snow angels.”
Please keep an extra eye out for kids (and Mounties) playing in the snow during today’s #snowday. #surreybc @amyreid87 pic.twitter.com/6JKNoTgbPy
— Surrey RCMP (@SurreyRCMP) February 11, 2019
SEE ALSO: MAP: Armed with 17,000 tonnes of salt, Surrey launches snow plow tracker
SEE ALSO: Remember to clear snow from your sidewalks, Surrey
SEE ALSO: Snowfall warning issued for White Rock, Surrey
Ray Kerr, Surrey’s manager of engineering operations, said crews have been working since snow began to fall Sunday.
“They’re all working, rotating 12-hour shifts,” he said Monday morning. “And we’ll be doing that at this point, until later in the week, considering they’re calling for snow tonight and over into tomorrow.”
As of 9 a.m. Monday, Surrey’s snow-removal team was still working on “priority one” roads, which are key arteries that are used by large numbers of drivers. They include main roads, bus routes and roads with steep hills. Roads fronting and/or leading to schools and long-term care facilities are also included.
“We’ll be moving into some priority twos today,” said Kerr, noting second priority streets are artierial and collector routes, including local connector roads in residential areas. “But once the snow starts we move back to priority ones again.”
On Monday morning, Kerr said things were going well so far.
“We’ll see how the snow comes in this afternoon,” he remarked. “I’d much prefer if we’re getting a lot of snow, that we get it steady as opposed to getting a lot of snow quickly. We can’t be everywhere. On Sunday, we received a large amount of snow in a very short time period.”
#BCStorm Update: We currently have all resources out fighting the snow, and continue to work on priority 1 routes. Due to the snow, there will be delays to Waste Collection throughout Monday Collection Day. Read full details & get more snow tips at https://t.co/33dD8y0bT8 pic.twitter.com/GEk4VTXWAn
— City of Surrey (@CityofSurrey) February 11, 2019
Thanks for your patience #SurreyBC as our crews continue to clear the steady and heavy snow. We ask that residents avoid driving in these conditions. See snow and ice priority routes at https://t.co/33dD8yhNhI pic.twitter.com/u740M63ITq
— City of Surrey (@CityofSurrey) February 11, 2019
A snowfall warning remains in effect for coastal B.C., including Surrey.
“A long period of snowfall with total amounts of 10 to 15 centimetres is expected,” reported Environment Canada early Monday morning. “A second low pressure centre in as many days will give more snow to the South Coast beginning this afternoon and continuing into Tuesday morning.”
Environment Canada forecasts this “second disturbance” will spread snow to virtually the entire South Coast with heaviest amounts falling Monday night.
Public schools in Surrey and White Rock are closed for instruction today.
Superintendent Jordan Tinney made the announcement on Twitter around 6 a.m. Monday, saying crews need time to clear parking lots and walkways at schools across the city. Schools are closed to both students and teachers.
Langley school district has also closed schools for Monday, but all schools are open in Delta.
A big shout out to all crews in the city and school districts today. This is what they have to contend with. Thank you all @CUPE728 and other support staff members for all you do. #surreybc @CityofSurrey @Surrey_Schools #sd36learn pic.twitter.com/jQCOkEbb75
— Jordan Tinney (@jordantinney) February 11, 2019
SEE ALSO: Wondering why your Surrey street hasn’t been snow plowed? Here’s why
See also: Surrey getting new tool to clear snow from sidewalks
One winter storm passes another looms as warnings posted on B.C.’s south coast https://t.co/xWB2uG7mOW
— Surrey Now-Leader (@SurreyNowLeader) February 11, 2019
My patio at 6 am this morning! #snow #bcstorm #SurreyBC pic.twitter.com/jbC75OA6DG
— Amy Marie Reid (@amyreid87) February 11, 2019
#snow at night, well we had a decent amount today, for sure. #SurreyBC pic.twitter.com/7zKBDpzRk0
— Steve Rowe 🇬🇧🇨🇦🌈 (@stevendrowe) February 11, 2019
Decided to do a measurement before bed and #cloverdale is up to 12 inches of snow! #BCstorm #SurreyBC #Snowmaggedon2019 @GlobalBC @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/h2w9KYRL7h
— Samantha Phillips (@sphillips89) February 11, 2019
amy.reid@surreynowleader.com
Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram and follow Amy on Twitter