B.C. weather: Warnings, watches and statements for snow, cold across the province

Environment Canada has issued several weather warnings, statements and watches for much of British Columbia.

A strong Pacific frontal system will move onto the B.C. coast Friday night bringing heavy snow to many parts of the province through the weekend.

Squamish, the Sea to Sky highway and Whistler are expected to see 25 to 35 centimetres of snow by late Saturday.

“Locally windy conditions early Saturday morning may generate local blowing snow,” said Environment Canada.

“Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.”

Meanwhile, special weather statements were issued for the Sunshine Coast, eastern Vancouver Island, Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

Higher terrain in those regions could see potential snowfall, up to five centimetres, starting Friday night and into Saturday morning.

“Temperatures will be cold enough to keep snow levels around 200 to 300 metres,” said Environment Canada. “As a result, precipitation will initially start as snow over higher elevations.

“Some snowfall accumulations of up to five cm is possible over higher terrain before warmer air pushes in on Saturday and allows the snow over higher terrain to change to rain.”

In the northern sections of the province, extreme cold warnings are in place for the North Coast and Peace River regions.

For the North Coast, inland sections, strong outflow winds, combined with cold air, will generate wind chill values near -20 C near Terrace and Kitimat through Friday.

For the Peace River region, a cold arctic air mass has settled over northeast B.C., and temperatures near -26 C are expected. Further, northwest winds have resulted in windchill values near -40.

“Conditions are expected to moderate by this afternoon as winds weaken,” said Environment Canada. “However, wind chill values near -40 will return tonight into Friday morning.”

“A strong Pacific frontal system, combined with the cold airmass over northern and central B.C., will give heavy snow starting late Friday,” said Environment Canada.

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The North and Central Coast, inlands sections, are expected to see 20 to 40 centimetres of snow, along with wind chill values near -20 C for the North Coast, along with blowing snow.

Meanwhile, special weather statements for heavy snow, courtesy of that strong Pacific frontal system, were issued for the following regions:

• Williston
• Stuart – Nechako
• Prince George
• McGregor
• Cariboo
• Yellowhead
• North Columbia
• Shuswap
• West Columbia
• East Columbia
• Arrow Lakes – Slocan Lake

The snow is expected to be heavy at times and will persist until Saturday night before tapering off Sunday.

The North Columbia, Trans-Canada Highway from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass and Highway 3 from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass are expected to see 20 to 40 centimetres of snow.

The Shuswap, North Thompson, Williston, South Peace River, Stuart-Nechako, Prince George, McGregor, Cariboo and  Yellowhead regions are expected to see 10-20 centimetres and the remainder of locations up to 30 centimetres.

“Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations,” said Environment Canada.

“Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations. If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone.”

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