A special weather statement has been issued for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler, and the Sea to Sky Highway as a weather system is set to bring a wintry mix of precipitation late Tuesday evening through Wednesday.
Whistler and the Sea to Sky Highway will likely witness precipitation starting as snow on Tuesday evening and turning to rain by Wednesday afternoon. The Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, and Howe Sound-Whistler regions are expected to experience varying levels of snowfall, with snow levels hovering near the surface in most areas except Whistler and the Sea to Sky Highway.
Environment Canada states snowfall accumulations depend on elevation and proximity to water bodies. With warming weather, snow will transition from mixed rain to moderate to heavy rain late Tuesday night or early Wednesday. The Fraser Valley faces a potential risk of freezing rain as warm air overrides the prevailing cold air.
Moderate to heavy precipitation is expected to diminish across the region by late Wednesday with the passage of the weather system. Authorities caution that warnings may be issued as the event approaches and confidence in snowfall accumulation forecasts solidifies.
Residents are urged to report severe weather conditions by sending an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or by tweeting reports using the hashtag #BCStorm.