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Surrey RCMP urge drivers to take it slow in the snow

Surrey and White Rock schools closed Monday, with a snowfall warning still in effect
Amy Reid
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There were several crashes and stuck cars in Surrey on Sunday (Feb. 10), when snowfall began in Surrey. (Photos: Shane Mackichan)

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.”

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.”

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.

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


amy.reid@surreynowleader.com
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