Extreme Weather Events - Winter
Powell River, like many coastal regions, faces increasing risks from extreme winter weather events, including coastal windstorms, snowstorms, freezing temperatures, flooding, and atmospheric rivers. To mitigate the risks of climate change and ensure community safety, it's crucial to understand these threats and take proactive measures.
ON THIS PAGE
Extreme Cold – Winter Wellness
Winter Weather Warnings
Preparing for Extreme Weather
Emergency Shelters
BC Transit
Waste Collection Snow and Ice Delays
EXTREME COLD – WINTER WELLNESS
VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH WINTER WEATHER RESOURCES
WEATHER WARNINGS
Weather agencies issue various alerts to inform the public about impending severe weather. Here's a quick guide to understand them:
Watches:
Issued when conditions are favorable for severe weather but the exact timing, location, and intensity are uncertain.
Typically issued 6-24 hours in advance, depending on the type of event.
Serve as an early warning to increase public awareness and prepare for potential severe weather.
Warnings:
Issued when severe weather is imminent or already occurring.
Issued with varying lead times, ranging from a few hours to a day or more.
Indicate a high risk of hazardous weather conditions, prompting immediate action.
Advisories:
Issued for significant weather events that are not considered hazardous, such as frost.
Provide information about the event and its potential impacts.
Special Weather Statements:
Used for weather hazards that don't fit into the categories of watches, warnings, or advisories.
Can be used to warn the public about long-term forecast threats.
Note: Alerts are typically updated every 6 hours, except for mesoscale/summer severe weather alerts, which are updated as needed.
ENVIRONMENT CANADA WINTER WEATHER WARNINGS
Arctic Outflow Warnings are issued for Coastal British Columbia regions when any combination of wind speed and temperature gives a wind chill of -20°C or lower for 6 hours or more.
Extreme Cold Warnings are issued for Coastal BC when temperature or wind chills are expected to reach -35°C for at least 2 hours.
Snowfall Warnings are issued for Southern and Central Coastal BC when 10 centimeters or more of snow falls within 12 hours or less; or when 5 centimeters or more of snow falls within 6 hours or less.
Winter Storm Warnings are issued for when severe and potentially dangerous winter weather conditions are expected, including: a major snowfall (25 centimeters or more within a 24-hour period) and a significant snowfall (snowfall warning criteria amounts) combined with other cold weather precipitation types such as freezing rain, strong winds, blowing snow and/or extreme cold.
Flash Freeze Warnings are issued when significant ice is expected to form on roads, sidewalks or other surfaces over much of a region because of the freezing of residual water from either melted snow or falling/fallen rain due to a rapid drop in temperatures.
PREPARING FOR EXTREME WINTER WEATHER:
To stay safe during extreme weather events, it's essential to be prepared. Here are some tips:
Register for the qathet Community Notification System
Download or pick up the Evacuation Guide for your neighbourhood. It is important to remember that electronic devices might fail during an emergency. A paper copy of the evacuation guide is essential in your emergency kit.
Create an emergency kit and grab-and-go with essential supplies like food, water, first aid supplies, and a flashlight.
Secure your property and outdoor objects, and ensure your home is weatherproof.
Prepare your vehicle by stocking it with winter essentials like snow tires, blankets, and a shovel.
Stay informed by monitoring official weather forecasts and alerts from
It is important to remember that electronic devices might fail due to an emergency.
EMERGENCY SHELTER OPTIONS
During winter weather events, the City encourages people to use public spaces during open hours, to safely warm up and avoid exposure to the cold.
Lift Community Services operates a daytime/overnight Emergency Shelter. More spaces may be available when risk increases due to cold, wind and/or precipitation. The shelter is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and has 20 beds available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is open to all adults ages 19 and over, including seniors.
BC TRANSIT
When the region experiences significant snowfall, the City may implement adverse weather routing for the Powell River Transit System.
Adverse weather declarations are announced and updated on the City’s social media channels.
Ice and snow can lead to schedule changes on short notice.
Potential impacts of adverse weather conditions include:
Delays: Expected during icy conditions and poor visibility.
Detours: May be necessary due to elevation changes or unplowed roads.
Cancellations: Full-service cancellations can occur when travel is deemed unsafe.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please:
Customer alerts are posted as soon as possible to inform riders of service disruptions. You can also sign up for route-specific email notifications.
To maximize your travel experience, please consider the following tips:
Allow extra time for your journey.
Wear reflective clothing when walking, cycling, or biking to increase visibility.
Wear appropriate footwear with good traction.
Have your fare or pass ready before boarding.
WASTE COLLECTION SNOW AND ICE DELAYS
Garbage and recycling collection may be delayed due to hazardous winter conditions. If your collection is missed, we'll try to collect it later that day or the next. Please ensure your containers are accessible and not buried in snow. If we can't access your containers, they'll be collected on your next scheduled day.
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Monday to Friday - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
604-485-6291