Winter storm warning issued

Spring may have arrived a few weeks ago, but some severe winter winter is on the way for B.C.’s Coquihalla region.

A special weather statement for heavy snowfall has been issued for that highway with up to 40 centimetres from Merritt to Hope between tonight and Tuesday (see details below).

Environment Canada has also issued a winter storm watch from Sunday night to Monday afternoon for Highway 3 — Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass with the areas expected to see up to 30 centimetres of snow.

A heavy rain and strong localized wind warning is in effect for Metro Vancouver, Gibsons, Sechelt, Sea to Sky Corridor, North Shore of Vancouver, Tri-Cities area and Lower Fraser Valley north of the Fraser River.

The weather agency says upslope areas from the Lower Sunshine Coast to the Lower Fraser Valley are expected to receive the heaviest amounts of rain beginning Sunday night until Monday afternoon.

It warns that strong, gusty winds are also possible starting Sunday and into Monday across Metro Vancouver, Abbotsford and parts of Howe Sound.

Winter storm warning in effect for:

Coquihalla Highway – Hope to Merritt
A prolonged snowfall event is expected.

When: Tonight to Tuesday afternoon.

Location: Coquihalla Highway – Hope to Merritt.

Snowfall accumulation: 25 to 40 cm for the Coquihalla Summit.

An approaching Pacific system is expected to bring significant amounts of snow across higher elevation passes.

Precipitation near the Coquihalla Summit will begin as periods of light snow today, with snow levels rising to near 1000 to 1200 metres this afternoon. Lower elevations along the route will receive rain.

Light snow is expected to intensify overnight with lowering snow levels. Snow at times heavy will continue through Monday and taper off to a few flurries Tuesday afternoon.

Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.