All public schools in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are open this morning, despite a light snowfall.
School buses are are snow routes.
All #SD42 Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows public schools are OPEN. Buses are on snow routes. Check website for updates: https://t.co/PgdJrXmuLO
— School District 42 (@sd42news) December 9, 2016
Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning Thursday afternoon.
Up to 10 centimetres was expected in parts of the Lower Mainland by the end of today.
"A band of snow is moving across the South Coast this morning and has brought a trace of snow to much of Metro Vancouver. In areas over the Fraser Valley, there have been several centimetres and over five centimetres over much of the island," according to Environment Canada.
"Snow levels will rise slightly this afternoon and snow will change to rain near sea level with amounts of two to four centimetres possible before the transition. Meanwhile, further amounts of five to 10 centimetres are expected in the Fraser Valley and over higher terrain through Saturday morning."
Ridge Meadows RCMP are warning people to adjust to driving conditions.
"While we often get mocked by our friends and family in eastern Canada, but the reality is we have had very little snowfall in the last few years and snow and cold temperatures can create very dangerous driving conditions," said Ridge Meadows RCMP Supt. David Fleugel.
"We urge citizens to follow the latest weather forecasts and as snow begins to fall please adjust your driving habits to suit the conditions. If a heavy snowfall does hit, we encourage citizens to stay off the roads for any non-essential travel to keep routes clear for snow removal vehicles and first responders."
Maple Ridge city's emergency program coordinator Patrick Cullen reminded people they have to clear the sidewalks in front of their homes and businesses by 10 a.m.
"The city's webpage titled Extreme Snow and Cold found at http://www.mapleridge.ca/1230, outlines our cold weather program and provides information on what you can do to be prepared for any snowfall. There are links to the city's plan for snow removal as well as the provincial contractors who keep Lougheed Highway and the bridges clear throughout a snowfall."
By Saturday however, the weather system could change. Environment and Natural Resources is calling for a daily high of 3 C with rain showers or flurries and a low of -1 C. Monday, it's supposed to be sunny.
Motorists shold have a snow brush and window scraper handy for the next few weeks because the long-term forecast is for cooler temperatures. All windows of your vehicle should be cleared before starting off.
In a Thursday release, the City of Maple Ridge said it has 12 snow removal vehicles that can be deployed and in operation 24/7 if the need arises. The priorities for snow removal are major transportation routes, steep hills, bus routes and assisting fire, police or ambulance.
Up to date weather forecasts and road conditions are broadcast on the local AM radio stations including CBC AM690, CHMJ AM730, CKNW AM 980 and CKWX AM1130. Heavy snowfall can result in power outages. You can get the latest updates from BC Hydro on their website bchydro.comand from their Twitter feed at @bchydro<https://twitter.com/bchydro>.