Snow still expected for much of B.C.'s South Coast, despite morning rain
Many residents of British Columbia's south coast woke up to rain on Sunday after expecting an overnight snow dump, but Environment Canada warns snow is still in the forecast.
The federal weather agency updated its snowfall warnings for the region early Sunday morning, saying that between two to 15 centimetres are expected by Monday morning.
It says communities near the water such as Comox, Parksville, Nanaimo could see up to five centimetres of snow, while rain or wet snow is still possible in the lower elevations of Metro Vancouver.
Snow is expected on the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, the Central Coast, and in parts of Metro Vancouver. It will likely change to rain or become mixed with rain late Sunday afternoon.
Several agencies have issued advice on how to stay safe in the snow and slush.
BCAA issued a release outlining the most common winter driving problems. They include not having winter tires, under-inflated tires and driving on roadways or driveways that aren't plowed or properly shovelled.
Burnaby RCMP tweeted an image of two essential items many people might need on Sunday: a shovel and a window scraper.
Vancouver Coastal Health also advised people to take care walking in snowy conditions by wearing rubber-soled shoes and using hand rails if they are available.
In preparation for the wintry weather, the City of Vancouver says more than 100 vehicles and 3,000 tonnes of salt are ready to hit the roads this weekend.
The city is also opening additional shelter spaces at the Powell Street Getaway, the Vancouver Aquatic Centre and the Creekside Community Centre.
Environment Canada says precipitation is expected to ease Sunday afternoon and then return in the evening, with snowfall at night and on Monday mainly accumulating over higher elevations.
Meanwhile periods of snow are anticipated through Monday morning in the Fraser Valley, including Chilliwack and Hope, with the potential for significant snowfall Sunday night.
Environment Canada warns that wet and slushy snow may make for a messy commute in the valley Monday morning and power outages are also possible if heavy, wet snow accumulates on trees.
The agency says more snow is possible later in the week.
