Daytime snow began Saturday across much of British Columbia’s southern coast, and this bout of wintry precipitation will increase in both coverage and intensity during the nighttime hours.
It’s been a few months since we’ve seen this kind of snowfall on the south coast, so residents should prepare for travel disruptions and appropriate post-storm cleanup efforts.
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A moisture-laden low-pressure system sliding down the coast encountered Arctic air pouring from the interior this weekend to cover much of the south coast with a blanket of snow.
Travel disruptions are likely through Sunday, particularly over the mountain passes and on unpaved back roads.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued snowfall warnings for the entire Lower Mainland, including Metro Vancouver, through Sunday morning.
“Prepare for rapidly changing and deteriorating travel conditions,” ECCC said in its warning. “Rapidly falling snow will make travel difficult.”
WATCH: Avoid travel on key BC routes during upcoming winter storm
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Snow will increase in both intensity and coverage Saturday night, eventually turning to wet flurries through Sunday for the south coast and Vancouver Island. Peak snow loads of up to 5cm per hour are possible during the worst snowstorm.
On Saturday evening, gusty winds accompany the passage of the cold front. Visibility is likely in places where gusty winds accompany snowfall.
At the end of the storm we could see 15-25 cm of snow over Metro Vancouver, with totals of over 25 cm at higher ground.
Totals vary in Greater Victoria with locally over 15 cm towards the west coast communities and across Malahat.
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Behind the storm, temperatures on the south coast will slowly warm up towards next week, although near-low-season temperatures are likely to persist through at least the first few days of March.
Another round of unsettled weather is set to arrive early next week, bringing the potential for rain and snow to the region.
WATCH: Cold air ushers in weekend storm heading for BC’s south coast
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Be sure to check out the latest information on this snowy BC system
