Heavy snow cancels mail delivery to parts of Vancouver Island, snow expected Saturday in Lower Mainland

British Columbians should brace for cold weather until the end of the week as a Pacific frontal system brings frigid temperatures and snow to the province.

Heavy snow fell on parts of Vancouver Island overnight on Wednesday, prompting the Qualicum school district to close schools for the day on Thursday.

Canada Post has cancelled delivery in Port Alberni and Parksville. The courier service has issued a yellow alert for East Vancouver Island and is advising residents to expect delays with delivery. 

Extreme cold warnings are in place for B.C. Peace River, Elk Valley, Yoho Park - Kootenay Park and Chilcotin.

Environment Canada has issued Arctic outflow and wind chill warnings for the northern and central coast, including Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert and northern Vancouver Island. Temperatures are expected to start to drop on Friday, with the cold intensifying overnight, posing a risk of hypothermia and frostbite to anyone outdoors.

The weather agency says Arctic outflow winds will be felt in Whistler Thursday night through Friday, with the wind chill reaching –20 C. The resort municipality is expected to see heavy snowfall on Saturday night.

Temperatures across B.C. are expected to remain five to 15 degrees below seasonal through the end of the week, according to CBC meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe.

Shelter spaces and warming centres in Vancouver will be available through Thursday due to an extreme weather alert.

Snow in Lower Mainland

Armel Castellan, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, says Friday morning is likely to be the coldest day of this stretch across the South Coast, then temperatures will warm up again on Saturday.

However, there will be a chance of snow on Saturday afternoon or evening in the Lower Mainland.

"The quantities remain uncertain at this point. It could be just a few centimetres, five centimetres, but it actually could be closer to 15 or more," Castellan said. 

Driving concerns

With more wintry weather on the way for the weekend, B.C.'s Ministry of Transportation is urging drivers to be ready for snowy and slushy conditions on Metro Vancouver roads.

"The ministry's snow and ice technicians will keep an eye on conditions at the Port Mann and Alex Fraser bridges and will mobilize if there is accumulation on bridge cables," the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Drivers are also reminded to avoid unnecessary travel during this period and to prepare for delays and longer commute times.