B.C. is getting a mixed bag of wintry weather, with multiple weather alerts issued throughout the province, calling for everything from heavy rainfall and high winds to freezing rain and snow.
Metro Vancouver is expected to get up to 70mm of rain throughout Tuesday and through until early on Wednesday morning. Environment Canada has rainfall warnings issued for the region, which say that the rain will be heavy at times and “high flows and localized flooding are possible, particularly at lower elevations and in areas with poor drainage.”
Stay alert while driving, as heavy rains like this might cause flash floods and water pooling on the roads.
Environment Canada also has special weather statements in place calling for freezing rain on Tuesday afternoon, in the southwestern B.C. interior region. By the evening, the warning says that “the combination of warm air aloft and lingering cold surface air will result in freezing rain over the Similkameen and Nicola regions, including segments of Highway 3 – Hope to Princeton and the Coquihalla Highway – Hope to Merritt.”
On coastal sections of the North Coast, there’s a wind warning in place, which calls for gusts up to 100 km/h “near mainland inlets and valleys.” The wind is forecasted to go throughout the day and night on Tuesday, gradually easing overnight.
Luckily for skiers out there at least, the Whistler region has a snowfall warning in place, with 25 cm expected before Wednesday morning. For anyone travelling though be aware that the heavy snowfall may reduce visibility and make for difficult travel with poor road conditions.
Elk Valley, near Fernie, is also set to get some snow, with up to 30cm expected late on Tuesday afternoon through until Wednesday. The winter storm warning in place for the area warns that roads will be difficult to navigate, and “near-zero visibility” is a hazard.
It seems like winter is well and truly here for the province.
This article’s cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
