B.C. winter storm closes schools, cuts power in Fraser Valley

A messy mix of freezing rain and rain is hitting British Columbia's Fraser Valley today, after around 25 centimetres of snow fell across the region over the weekend. Several schools in the area are closed today, and when last reported, over 4,000 customers were without power.

Although this latest winter storm for B.C.'s South Coast spread snow and then rain across Metro Vancouver, it's further inland that's been hardest hit by it. Communities in the Fraser Valley saw heavy snowfall on Sunday, with Squamish recording up to 20 centimetres for the day and Chilliwack accumulating up to 25 centimetres. As the storm pushed further on shore this morning, though, the slightly warmer temperatures that forced the switch from snow to rain for Vancouver have added freezing rain to the mix for the Fraser Valley, producing much more hazardous conditions.

As of early on Monday morning, BC Hydro was reporting over 4,000 customers without power in Abbotsford and Mission, just to the southwest and west of Vancouver. An update as of 8:30 a.m. PT reported that the number had been reduced down to 300, and crews expected to have power restored to all customers as of noon Pacific Time.

With the power outages, along with roads either slick with ice or a slushy mess, schools and school boards in the area have closed for the day. All schools and buses were cancelled in eastern Fraser Valley, all public schools were closed in Chilliwack, and schools and colleges in Langley, Hope and Mission also kept their doors closed this morning. Students attending Riverside College in Mission should be aware that since power was restored to the school this morning, afternoon classes will be in session.

[ More Geekquinox: U.S. East Coast braces for up to foot of snow from storm that brought much-needed rain to California ]

With the storm pressing to the east and slightly warmer temperatures continuing to creep inland, the freezing rain is expected to change over completely to rain in the Fraser Valley this afternoon. Weather warnings remain in effect, though, as the freezing rain will continue for at least a few more hours.

Although no warnings are currently in effect for it, a special weather statement issued for southern British Columbia's highway passes is advising of the potential for up to 30 centimetres of snow, or more, to fall by Tuesday morning.

(Photo courtesy: Canadian Press)

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