Published: January 17, 2020
Winter Storm conditions are possible overnight tonight and Saturday, according to the latest alert issued early morning Friday by Environment Canada.
An approaching Pacific storm will bring a mixture of snow, freezing rain, and rain to the south coast beginning tonight and continuing Saturday.
Strong winds will also accompany the storm.
The storm will arrive tonight with heavy snow beginning late this evening across the south coast. As warmer air associated with storm penetrates the region, the snow will begin to transition to rain.
There is a chance that this transition could be delayed resulting in higher snowfall amounts. It is also possible this transition will include a period of freezing rain.
In addition to heavy snow, freezing rain is also a significant threat from this storm. Over Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, and Whistler, temperatures near surface will likely remain slightly below zero due to cold outflow winds pouring out from the BC interior. This sets up ideal conditions for freezing rain as the warmer air overrides cold air trapped at the surface.
Expect the snow to change or become mixed with freezing rain over Howe Sound late night or early morning Saturday.
It is uncertain how long this freezing rain could last as we transition to warmer temperatures rising above zero.
Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.
