Freezing rain warnings for northern B.C. after weekend of heavy snow

Environment Canada has issued several freezing rain and snowfall warnings for northern British Columbia, after the region was hit with heavy snow over the weekend.

As of Monday morning, freezing rain warnings were in effect for the north and south Peace River, Bulkley Valley, Fort Nelson, Lakes District and Stuart-Nechako regions.

Environment Canada said freezing rain will persist into the afternoon, warning highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery.

Ice build-up could cause utility outages and tree branches to break, it added.

A snowfall warning was also in effect for the Cassiar Mountains, Teslin and Watson Lake areas on Monday morning.

These areas are expected to get 15 to 35 centimetres of snow by Monday night, according to Environment Canada.

The weather mornings come after a winter storm dumped heavy snow over parts of the region this weekend. Environment Canada warned the Terrace area could see as much as 50 centimetres of snow.

Winter storm warning

A winter storm warning is in effect for inland areas of the North Coast, with up to 40 centimetres of snow expected Monday.

The snow will then transition to a mix of snow and rain, eventually changing to rain, according to Environment Canada. There is a slight risk of freezing rain during the transition. 

Heavy rain is expected this afternoon into Tuesday night, which may lead to flooding in low-lying areas, slushy conditions and potential travel delays, the weather agency warned.

Coastal areas can expect to see up to 150 millimetres of rain by Wednesday morning, a special weather statement said. A series of frontal systems will also bring strong southeast winds up to 80 km/h, gusting to 100 km/h, over exposed areas on Monday.