Classes cancelled and more shelter spaces opened, as snowfall warnings cover most of B.C.
Vancouver issues extreme weather alert; up to 20 cm of snow expected in some areas by Wednesday afternoon
Snowfall warnings are in place for more than two dozen regions in British Columbia, leading some post-secondary institutions to cancel in-person classes in anticipation of the weather.
After a week of record-setting cold temperatures due to Arctic air blowing across the province, Environment Canada says a Pacific low-pressure system is now about to replace that, bringing with it widespread snow.
Around two-thirds of the province is covered by a snowfall warning, which says 10-20 centimetres will fall along the South Coast from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Depending on temperatures, the precipitation could also become freezing rain in some areas.
On Tuesday night, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim announced that an extreme weather alert would remain in effect until Thursday, and more shelter spaces and warming centres were being opened in response to the forecast.Â
🚨 Urgent Weather Update 🚨 <br><br>An extreme weather alert is in effect till January 18th. <br><br>If you find yourself without shelter, we've opened additional spaces and warming centers. Your safety is our top priority – please come inside and stay warm. <a href="https://t.co/zsZdrzXpT5">pic.twitter.com/zsZdrzXpT5</a>
—@KenSimCityThe city has also encouraged essential travel only on city roads and is reminding anyone who must drive to have winter tires on their vehicle and stick to priority routes. Drivers can use city traffic cameras to check road conditions.
Both the University of British Columbia and BCIT announced that all in-person classes are cancelled on Wednesday because of the forecast.
By midday Tuesday, snow was already falling further north, with expected accumulation ranging from up to 10 centimetres on the North Coast to 15 centimetres in Prince George.
"Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow," said Environment Canada on its website. "Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions."
Along the South Coast temperatures are expected to be steady around –1 C Tuesday night before getting above zero for Wednesday. Rain is forecast for the rest of the week, with highs to 8 C by Saturday.
Elsewhere in B.C on Tuesday morning temperatures were still frigid, with Fort Nelson as the cold spot at –25 C and several other places in the northeast, central and southeast in the minus double digits, despite wind chill values easing.
For up-to-date road conditions around the province, visit DriveBC.ca.