Robust storm deals B.C. a snowy and rainy blow, impeding travel
What happens when you get cold air from the Arctic and a warm Pacific frontal system clash?
Wet snow, and plenty of it, for lower and higher elevations along B.C.'s South Coast, along with heavy rainfall for the warmer sectors of the region.
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Numerous snowfall and winter storm warnings, as well as some rainfall warnings, are in effect for the province as the effects continue into Thursday.
Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult and the poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays. Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.
Thursday:
After a transition from wet snow, rainfall picked up across coastal sections and will continue into early Thursday morning. Rainfall will hang on a bit longer in the Interior, persisting into the early afternoon.
Meanwhile, scattered flurries will linger in the mountains along the coast and in the Interior Thursday morning.
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Winter storm and snowfall warnings remain in effect for the higher elevations.
The combination of heavy snow and gusty winds will take a significant toll on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, with very dangerous conditions a major concern. As a result, anyone planning to travel to Whistler may want to reconsider.
"Surfaces such as roads, streets, sidewalks and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow," says Environment and Climate Change Canada in the winter storm warning.
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That won't be the end of the unsettled weather, however. While not as potent as the current system, scattered showers will develop once again Thursday overnight into Friday while scattered flurries continue in the mountains along the coast. Expect difficult travel once more along the highway passes.
Freezing levels will dip back to near 200 m by the weekend, with another chance for low elevation snowfall to occur.
The unsettled, and chillier-than-normal pattern, will continue for at least the next week, with substantial snow totals forecast for the alpine regions. Great news for local ski areas as we head towards March break.
Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across B.C.
