Freezing rain and slippery roads are behind the decision to keep schools closed on Friday (Jan. 19) for a third day across the Fraser Valley.
Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Mission and Fraser Cascade School Districts have all announced that their schools and facilities will remain closed due to severe weather conditions including the arrival of ice pellets, freezing rain, which is expected to turn to rain.
“It is of utmost importance that we prioritize the safety of our students and staff,” Chilliwack School District officials said in the statement.
“Given the weather conditions, including freezing rain and slippery roads, we have decided to close all schools and sites, including daycares, pre-schools, and community use facilities, on Friday, January 19, 2024.
“This decision has been made out of an abundance of caution, and an emergency staffing plan will be put into effect.”
University of the Fraser Valley cancelled its classes for the day, and facilities are closed, but officials said an update for non-class on-campus access will be posted online at 11 a.m. at ufv.ca.
DriveBC said a travel advisory is still in effect.
FVRL branches in Chilliwack and Agassiz are closed, but all other library branches are open.
tw📡#BCHwy1 - we're getting reports of freezing rain in the #AbbotsfordBC area. Travel advisories remain in effect for several areas. 🧊🌧️
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) January 19, 2024
For the latest on the road and weather conditions, click the link: ℹ️https://t.co/VXAZNqpEyP
READ MORE: Thursday saw school closures