VANCOUVER — Environment Canada has issued a series of snowfall warnings for parts of B.C.'s Lower Mainland, heralding a sloppy evening commute for Metro Vancouver.
The weather office says some areas could see five to eight centimetres, though accumulation will vary greatly based on elevation and proximity to the ocean.
Snowfall warnings also cover Squamish, Whistler and the Sea to Sky Highway, where total amounts are expected to range from 15 to 25 centimetres.
Environment Canada says weather in the mountains can change suddenly, and drivers should be prepared for hazardous conditions with poor visibility.
The warning extends to the eastern Fraser Valley, including Hope, which could see up to 10 centimetres of snow," with a "wintry mix" across the rest of the region.
The snow is expected to transition to rain on Wednesday.
A snowfall warning also spans inland sections of the North and Central coasts, where 15 to 25 centimetres of accumulation are forecast for the Stewart area.
Winter storm watches are also in effect for high-elevation sections of the Coquihalla Highway, Highway 3 and the Trans-Canada Highway.
Environment Canada says the routes from Hope to Merritt, Hope to Princeton, Grand Forks to Creston, and Sicamous to Golden will see significant snowfall in addition to gusty winds before conditions are expected to ease on Thursday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 27, 2024.
The Canadian Press