Train of drenching rains and heavy alpine snow enters B.C. to close out the week

Click here to view the video

A parade of storms have taken aim at British Columbia to end the week, with periods of rain and heavy alpine snow certainly adding up. While this will be great news for ski areas that are embracing the recent hefty totals, it could also lead to slippery and dangerous travel conditions on mountain passes through the weekend.

For the northern parts of Metro Vancouver, including Coquitlam, and Howe Sound, wet snow is possible with colder temperatures in place to start, though accumulations will depend on location, and will likely remain minimal ahead of Friday's warm up.

MUST SEE: How 10 days turned the entire B.C. ski season around

The first round of the storm parade moved into B.C. late Thursday, with rain spreading over coastal Vancouver Island, and snow for the higher elevations.

Temperatures will warm into Friday morning, however, which would melt any snow that has fallen before transitioning over to heavy rain. Still, driver's are urged to prepare for changeable weather conditions.

Friday through Sunday: Heavy rain and a hefty dose of alpine snow

Rain will continue for Vancouver Island and the South Coast through the weekend.

Persistent and heavy rain will pick up in intensity for the South Coast and Metro Vancouver, with significant totals exceeding 30-50 mm with back-to-back systems moving in through Sunday.

Even heavier amounts of rain are forecast for west Vancouver Island, with between 100-150 mm possible by the time all is said and done.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued several rainfall warnings and special weather statements for Vancouver Island and the Metro Vancouver area ahead of these systems.

Meanwhile, freezing levels hover just under 1,000 m throughout the weekend, keeping the peaks of the North Shore Mountains as heavy snow.

Snow accumulation could vary greatly depending on the intensity of precipitation as well as the temperatures. Regardless, with the threat for 40-70+ cm in some of the harder hit areas, travel conditions will be difficult throughout the weekend. Drivers are urged to consider postponing any non-essential travel until conditions improve.

Story continues

RELATED: What recent snowstorms mean for the drought and wildfire risk in Western Canada

While the rounds of rain and snow continue into the start of next week, a much milder and drier pattern is set to take shape mid-month and continuing well into the second half of March.

WATCH: Find out how the ski season was saved in ten short days

Click here to view the video