Stay Safe: B.C. Residents Urged to Prepare for Environment Canada’s ‘Wintry Mix’ Alert on the South Coast

VANCOUVER — The British Columbia government is warning drivers to avoid travel on the south coast as a mix of rain and snow arrives in the area.

According to a statement from Environment Canada, a low-pressure system is bringing steady rain and snow to Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and the Sunshine Coast. Higher elevations could see wet snow, with some regions expecting up to four centimeters by Friday morning before the weather changes to rain.

Temperatures are expected to drop overnight on Friday as cold Arctic air moves in. This may lead to significant rainfall in places like Vancouver’s North Shore. Areas around Squamish and Whistler in the Sea to Sky corridor could receive up to 20 centimeters of snow by Friday night.

Accumulating snow is likely this weekend across many parts of the south coast. The Ministry of Transportation advises everyone to drive with caution and only travel if their vehicles are equipped for winter conditions. Winter tires are required in high-elevation areas, including the Sea to Sky and Malahat highways.

Snowfall warnings are in place for Highway 3 in the Kootenay Pass, where 30 to 40 centimeters of snow is expected before tapering off on Saturday morning. There is also a warning for the central coast, where five to 10 centimeters of snow are anticipated.

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