University, North Shore schools closed Thursday as snow falls across the Lower Mainland

Both West Vancouver and North Vancouver school districts have closed schools Thursday (Jan. 6), after heavy snowfalls across the region overnight.

The closures come after a winter storm warning was issued by Environment Canada Wednesday evening, which forecasted up to 30 centimetres of snow in some parts of the Lower Mainland.

However, the snow won’t stick around as snow is expected to turn to rain later on Thursday afternoon, and warnings of possible flooding due to snowmelt.

Capilano University has also closed all three of its campuses – North Vancouver, CapU Lonsdale and kálax-ay (Sunshine Coast) due to the snowfall. The university said all support services will be delivered remotely.

Residents across the North Shore are required and encouraged to clear their sidewalks and catch basins around their properties to ensure mobility.

For those looking to now head up the mountain, due to the snowfall, Grouse Mountain will be delaying its opening of the Skyride, downhill area, and all chalet facilities until 10 a.m.

Mt. Seymour has recorded 19 cm of snow overnight, and will open at 9:30 a.m.

Meanwhile, TransLink said the 257 articulated bus to Horseshoe Bay will be terminating at Park Royal, where passengers will then transfer to a shorter coach for the remainder of the journey due to road conditions.

TransLink also said the 247 bus will remain on Capilano Road due to the slippery conditions.