Sudden snowfall snarls traffic in some parts of B.C.'s Lower Mainland
Heavy snow hit Metro Vancouver on Thursday just before the afternoon commute, leading to delays and spin-outs on some major routes.
Vancouver Fire Rescue Services asked people not to drive unless absolutely necessary, writing on social media that firefighters were dealing with several vehicle incidents by 4:10 p.m. PT.
In North Vancouver, a transit bus lost traction in the snow on Highway 1 at Mountain Highway at about 3 p.m., blocking most westbound traffic, according to DriveBC.
Within about 30 minutes, the bus and other spun-out vehicles had been moved to the right lane to allow two lanes of traffic through.
A transit bus spun out on Highway 1 in North Vancouver, temporarily blocking traffic on Thursday afternoon. (DriveB.C.)
Meanwhile, TransLink was reporting detours and delays on a number of bus routes, as well as SkyTrain's Millennium Line, because of the weather.
The City of North Vancouver said it had four trucks out salting the roads, plus one focusing on cycling routes, and crews would be working through the night to clear the roads.
The flurries forced the city to close the 19th Street hill, but a spokesperson said it would likely be reopened by later in the evening.
