An early morning snowfall, coupled with plunging temperatures, turned Chilliwack streets into skating rinks for the morning commute.City sanding crews were out at major interchanges, but travel remains slow, and side streets are extremely icy.The conditions took their toll on travellers west of Chilliwack.Traffic on Highway 1, one kilometre west of the Lickman overpass, ground to a halt after a multiple-vehicle accident sent vehicles off the road.And just before noon east of Chilliwack a highway snowplow went off the road. The driver was able to climb out of the vehicle, however the incident has further snarled traffic in the westbound lanes a few kilometres east of the Annis Road overpass.
The snowfall hasn't closed public schools in Chilliwack, although the district's snow plan was in effect for higher elevations.The University of the Fraser Valley also remains open.The snow will change to flurries later this morning, but the winds will pick up. Environment Canada says wind gusts tonight could reach 80 km/h, with a low of minus 6.The forecast for Thursday isn't much better. Winds will be 50 to 70 km/h. And with a high of minus 2, the windchill is expected to be minus 16.