Environment Canada has issued a Winter Storm Warning for today. It’s going to be an interesting 24 hours.

 

Winter storm warning in effect for:

  • Fraser Valley – east including Chilliwack
  • Fraser Valley – west including Abbotsford

Hazardous winter conditions are expected.

An intense Pacific warm front will arrive this afternoon. The front will move in from the south and spread warmer, moist air over the colder Arctic air still in place at the surface.

Snow will start falling this afternoon and become heavy in the evening. Blowing snow will further reduce visibilities in some areas. As the warm air establishes itself, the snow will change to heavy freezing rain starting over western sections. The freezing rain will then migrate slowly eastward tonight. There is the potential for an extended period of freezing rain before the eventual transition to rain.

Snowfall amounts will vary from 5 to 10 cm near the US border to near 15 cm towards Mission and Chilliwack and 40 cm or more near Hope.

Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.

 

Winter storm warning in effect for:

  • Coquihalla Highway – Hope to Merritt
  • Highway 3 – Hope to Princeton via Allison Pass

Hazardous winter conditions are expected.

An intense Pacific warm front will bring heavy snow to the routes tonight and Thursday where 24 hour total snowfall amounts of 50 to 70 cm are expected. In the Fraser Canyon the amounts will range from 15 to 20 cm near Lytton to 50 cm near Boston Bar. Freezing rain is also expected near Hope on Thursday.

Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop. Road closures are possible.

Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

Filed under: storm warning, weather, winter