BURST
Drivers across B.C.’s South Coast should brace for a widespread risk of snow on Tuesday, said Environment Canada.
Areas near sea level could get a trace to up to four centimetres of snow while around five cm is expected over higher terrain, including the North Shore, Malahat Highway and inland areas of Vancouver Island.
A cold, unstable air mass is bringing a risk of snow down to sea level,” said Environment Canada in a special weather statement issued early Tuesday morning. “Accumulations will be highly variable over short distances and will impact the morning commute today.”
Whistler and the Sea to Sky Highway north of Squamish are expected to get five to 15 cm by Tuesday evening.
Inland areas of Vancouver Island and areas of higher elevation could get wet flurries and further accumulation Tuesday afternoon.
Environment Canada said drivers should be prepared for changes in visibility due to heavy flurries and to allow extra time for travel.
By Wednesday, the risk of flurries is expected to be limited to higher terrain and inland sections.
Meanwhile, a snowfall advisory remains in place for the Coquihalla Highway, which is expected to be hit with up to 30 cm of snow Tuesday and Wednesday.
Snowfall accumulation will be variable over the highway, but about 10 to 15 cm of snow is expected Tuesday evening.
The heavy flurries will taper off early Wednesday, before another round begins again Wednesday afternoon into the night.