Snow that started falling on the weekend kept falling as the work week began, clogging sidewalks and sending vehicles skidding throughout the Lower Mainland.
The weather office issued a snowfall warning Monday, predicting accumulations of 15 to 20 cm through the night for the Fraser Valley and five to 10 cm for Metro Vancouver.
The agency also said a strong ridge of high pressure building over northern B.C. will produce strong outflow winds through coastal valleys and inlets resulting in wind chill values near minus-20 degrees or colder.
In White Rock, crews closed the usual roads on the steepest hills.
People were allowed to access the affected roads at their own risk.
City property owners were reminded that bylaws require them to remove all snow and ice from sidewalks near their property no later than 10 a.m. That includes commercial properties, apartments and single-family dwellings.
Driving conditions elsewhere in Metro Vancouver were challenging.
On Highway 1 RCMP were advising drivers Monday afternoon to stay off the route east of 232 Street, because of dozens of crashes.
Also Monday, a jack-knifed semitrailer truck blocked 16 Avenue near 244 Street.
(Photo below) Richard Morin speeds downhill on his board at South Surrey Athletic Park.
Morin was one of a handful of youngsters to take advantage of the snowy conditions Saturday afternoon.
There was more snow early Monday morning, with more snow to come through the day.
The Fraser Valley was forecast to receive 10-15 centimetres by the evening, according to Environment Canada.
Gord Goble photo
