Special weather statements are in effect for the season’s first significant snow targeting B.C.’s alpine regions through Saturday. Expect major impact to travel through the mountain passes, with as much as 20-30 cm forecast.
“Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions,” warns Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the statement.
Snow flurries are expected for many interior locations, as well, except for the lowest valleys.
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An even stronger system will hit the central coast on Sunday, slipping south through the overnight hours, and bringing heavy rain, snow, and strong winds through Monday morning. While precipitation totals are still uncertain with this late weekend storm brewing, there will likely be impacts to travel, as well as localized power outages with the blustery winds.
Be sure to stay updated on the warnings in your area, as conditions can change quickly when significant fall storms hit.
Friday night through Saturday:
A cooler weather pattern will settle into B.C. as we kick off November this weekend.
An upper low will swing through southern B.C. on Friday and Saturday, with freezing levels fluctuating over the next several days.
Significant snow is forecast to intensify for the alpine regions through Friday, with total accumulations of 20-30 cm possible. The heaviest snow will target Highway 3 from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass.
Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in snow and blowing snow, and the quick accumulations could make travel difficult over the harder-hit locations. Drivers are urged to adjust travel plans accordingly.
Between 5-15 cm of snow is expected for the North Shore and interior passes.
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Sunday:
We’ll be watching a stronger system for the central coast on Sunday.
Heavy rain and snowfall rates are expected through Monday morning, with the snow once again targeting the highway passes.
Precipitation totals are still uncertain as this system brews, but between 30-75 mm of rain looks to target West Vancouver Island and the North Shore Mountains.
Winds will be strong along the coast as well, gusting to 80+ km/h. This could result in power outages on Monday, so you’ll want to be prepared.
An active pattern is expected to continue for the B.C. coast, including Vancouver and Victoria, through November. This is the wettest time of the year for the region, with near-normal or above-normal precipitation totals forecast for the month. This should allow the alpine snowpack to get off to a strong start as we head into the winter season.
Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across British Columbia.