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With snow in the forecast starting tomorrow, public works crews will be ready to respond to any snow or icy conditions. Environment Canada is forecasting the possibility of snow through next Tuesday.

Photo courtesy City of Richmond

Snow on the way for Richmond

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 10:19 PST, Tue February 9, 2021

Last Updated: 10:21 PST, Tue February 9, 2021

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The snow forecast to reach Richmond a few weeks ago didn’t quite materialize. But it’s due to return as soon as tomorrow.

Following an overnight low of -3 degrees Celsius, Environment Canada is forecasting periods of snow for Wednesday with daytime high not expected to get above the freezing mark. A reprieve on Thursday, when a mix of sun and cloud is forecast with a daytime high of -1, there is a 40 per cent chance of snow returning in the evening with an overnight low of -5. A 40 per cent chance of flurries is also in the Friday forecast with a daytime high of just -1. More snow is in the Saturday forecast with a high of plus 1, followed by a 60 per cent chance of flurries in the evening with an overnight low of -3. The chance of flurries or rain showers is forecast for both Sunday and Monday, with daytime highs expected to reach between plus 3 and 5.

As was the case then, the city is prepared.

Public works crews will be ready to respond to any snow or icy conditions with a centralized command continuously overseeing efforts to address snow, ice or severe weather at any point during the winter. Following regular weather updates, staff will also monitor road conditions through six road temperature sensors and dispatch equipment and crews where needed.

Richmond’s snow response plan includes 41 specialized vehicles and equipment. The works yard is also stocked with 1,000 tonnes of salt onsite, with 2,200 in reserve. A secondary location will also be stocked with salt to reduce travel times and increase efficiencies on the east side of the city.

The priority will be on keeping all major arterial roads clear to ensure emergency vehicles and others can travel safely along these routes.

If needed, crews will work 12-hour shifts around the clock clearing snow, laying down anti-icing liquid brine and or salting roads to keep frost or ice from forming.

The City of Richmond encourages residents to always be prepared for weather conditions—especially with the current ongoing pandemic. A residents guide to winter weather is available online at www.richmond.ca/services/rdws/weather/guide.htm and includes safety and preparedness tips. Residents are advised to plan ahead for bad weather and if in doubt, not to go out. They are also reminded that Traffic Bylaw 5870 requires that owners and occupants of single- and multi-family homes, as well as commercial and industrial units, to clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their properties no later than 10 a.m. every day. Snow should be shovelled onto lawns or into designated parking stalls, not the street where it can create a hazard. Storm drains and grates must also be kept clear of snow and debris.

For more on the city’s snow response, visit www.richmond.ca/winter. Updates during snow and ice events will be posted on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Richmond_BC and Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofrichmondbc.