Cancellations at YVR airport, BC Ferries as heavy snow and extreme cold blankets B.C.

As snow, extreme cold and high winds wreak havoc across BC, key roads — and transportation in and out of the province — will be severely impacted.

Heavy snow covered much of the region on Tuesday night (December 20), covering parts of south Vancouver Island by about 25 centimeters. Metro Vancouver can handle up to 15 centimeters.

As of Tuesday morning, all incoming flights to Vancouver International Airport have been canceled. A number of flights departing from YVR have experienced major delays or cancellations.

Ferry crossings have also been canceled due to the stormy and freezing conditions.

We know this is a challenging experience for those on board aircraft or waiting for baggage at YVR. We apologize for this inconvenience and thank everyone for their patience.

— YVR (@yvrairport) December 20, 2022

In a statement Monday night, the province said maintenance contractors are “operational at full strength and ready to deal with snow build-up.”

The contractors are also increasing the use of sand to provide better traction.

“It is important for motorists to keep their distance when applying sand and not to overtake winter service equipment,” said the province.

“Drivers who must travel should maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.”

Compact snow with slippery sections across the #Lower Mainland. Do not drive unless your vehicle has snow tires, working headlights and taillights, windshield wipers, and snow is cleared from your vehicle. For #BCHwy See https://t.co/MNovn5LekK for conditions #Shift to winter #BC pic.twitter.com/KTK9MJcRCP

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 20, 2022

Meanwhile, Interior BC is experiencing a deep freeze. That includes a low of -46.8C west of Williams Lane, while the Quesnel area broke a record set 78 years ago when it hit a low of -37.5C.

Snowstorm warnings vary across the province, with the exception of the southern Thompson, Shuswap and Slocan Lake areas.

All highways in the province are affected by heavy snowfall.

college closes

On Tuesday, North Island College closed the Comox Valley campus in Courtenay, as well as its Port Alberni and Campbell River campuses.

The Comox Valley Regional Transit System is expecting delays due to recent snowfall. BC Transit is asking commuters to allow more time for the journey. If you are heading out, transit travel tips include:

•If your bus stop is on a hill, do your best to get to a stop on level ground, as bus drivers may not be able to stop on a hill.

•Use bright or reflective equipment to stop the bus as visibility may be poor.

•Have your fare/pass ready before boarding the bus to keep things moving and the doors close sooner.

shelters

The Comox Valley offers some winter shelters to escape the elements:

Connect

685 Cliffe Ave. Courtenay

Day: 8:30am-11:30am; 1pm-6pm Monday to Saturday

Night: 20.00-8.00

10 beds, first come, first served

(250) 218-3975

community concerns

St. John the Divine Church

579 5th St Courtenay

20:00-08:00 every day except Monday, 21:00-08:00

30 mats/beds, first come, first serve and pass by

(250) 334-7552

Pidcock house

632 Pidcock Ave. Courtenay

Over 36 beds

Ask for availability

24 hours – in before 9

(250) 338-2533

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BC storm