Residents of Metro Vancouver woke up to the first significant snow dump of the winter season on Sunday, with forecasters warning of further snow to come overnight.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued snowfall warnings for Metro Vancouver, western and central Vancouver Island and much of the Sunshine Coast, with special weather statements covering the rest of B.C.’s coast.
On the north and central coasts, an Arctic outflow warning warns of wind chill that will make it feel like –20 or –25 C until Tuesday.
In Metro Vancouver, Environment Canada says up to 20 centimetres of snow could fall in total, with the highest amounts expected at higher elevations.
The snow is likely to transition to flurries or showers Sunday afternoon, but more snow is expected Sunday night into Monday morning.
“Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow,” Environment Canada says.
“Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.”
Environment Canada says temperatures will be five to eight degrees below seasonal in Metro Vancouver next week and strong outflow winds will lead to cold wind chills.
Officials in the region said they began preparations for the snowfall ahead of the weekend, with transit authorities working to clear roads and cities opening warming shelters.
Around two dozen flights were cancelled at Vancouver International Airport on Sunday morning around 10:45 a.m. PT, with YVR advising passengers to check the status of their flight before making the trip to the airport.
Snow is falling throughout the region and at YVR. ❄️ Teams are working hard on the airfield to keep people and planes moving safely and efficiently. Please check the status of your flight before coming to the airport and give yourself extra time to get here safely. <a href=”https://t.co/YJtm9UO65u”>pic.twitter.com/YJtm9UO65u</a>
—@yvrairport