Heavy rain, wind, snow hits B.C., major travel impacts for highway passes

A moisture-laden system continues to bring heavy rain and snow across British Columbia through Wednesday, impacting travel and making for treacherous conditions along the highway passes. Widespread gusty winds could lead to power outages, as well.

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A winter storm warning was issued for Whistler, and the Sea to Sky route from Squamish to Whistler, with as much as 50 cm of snow possible by the time all is said and done. By early Wednesday, nearly 30 had already fallen.

Rainfall on the other hand, will be abundant over the Lower Mainland, with as much as 75 mm possible in the hardest areas through Thursday.

Wednesday:

Wet snow made its way onto Vancouver Island throughout the day Tuesday, due to a clashing of cold, Arctic air and a warm Pacific frontal system.

Through the overnight hours, the wet snow transitioned over to rainfall across the lower elevations. The rainfall will pick up across the Lower Mainland through the day on Wednesday, with 20-75 mm expected, depending on location.

Meanwhile, winter storm warnings persist along the mountains, and the coastal highway passes, with difficult travel expected to last throughout the day. As much as 30-50 cm of snow is likely throughout the event.

The combination of heavy snow and gusty winds will take a significant toll on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, with very dangerous conditions a major concern. As a result, anyone planning to travel to Whistler may want to reconsider

"Surfaces such as roads, streets, sidewalks and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow," says Environment and Climate Change Canada in the winter storm warning. "Rapid accumulation of snow will make travel difficult. Bad weather conditions could cause transportation delays."

Gusty winds of 40-60 km/h will be widespread across the province, heightening the risk of power outages, in addition to difficult travel.

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Freezing levels will dip back to near 200 m by the weekend, with another chance for low elevation snowfall to occur.

The unsettled, and chillier-than-normal pattern, will continue for at least the next week, with substantial snow totals forecast for the alpine regions. Great news for local ski areas as we head towards March Break.

Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across B.C.

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