Vancouver International Airport (YVR) announced that it's suspending all incoming and outgoing flights as a result of the 20+ cms of snow that most of Metro Vancouver woke up to on Tuesday.
"There are currently no flights departing YVR as we safely get passengers off aircraft and clear the airfield and aircraft of snow and ice to get planes and people moving again," a notice on their website says. "Passengers who are expecting to fly today and this week are advised to check with their airline directly on the status of their flight. We are asking people to please not come to YVR if you do not absolutely need to."
YVR noted that the "severe snowfall has had an unprecedented impact on flights," and that they "anticipate cancellations and delays to continue through the day and the week ahead."
In addition, the Province of British Columbia and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure are urging drivers to forego any non-essential travel. But for those who must drive, road conditions can be monitored on DriveBC.
"At least 25 cm of snow have fallen in the Greater Vancouver area and 30 cm on the Malahat and other areas of the Island," the Province said. "Drivers on the Lower Mainland and southern and central Vancouver Island are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel today."
For those taking transit, TransLink has not suspended all services, but is still warning riders to avoid travelling if possible. "We are advising customers to expect considerable delays, particularly on the bus network, and avoid travelling where possible," TransLink said in it's latest service alert, issued at 6:00 am on Tuesday. "Minimal bus services are available in some areas, including parts of Vancouver, North Shore, and Burnaby"
RELATED: Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey Residents Can Be Fined For Not Shovelling Snow
BC Transit, which providers public transportation outside of the Greater Vancouver area, have suspended services in some areas. "Due to heavy snowfall, all service in Victoria, Cowichan Valley, and Central Fraser Valley is suspended today," BC Transit said on Twitter.
The worst of the snowfall appears to have subsided for now, but according to Environment Canada forecasts, there is still a chance of small flurries through the rest of the day and into Wednesday.
