A severe weather warning is in effect for much of the island and mainland, as the Government of Canada says there is potential for the first snowfall of the season to hit tonight, and through Saturday morning.
The official warning is below:
A ridge of high pressure building over the BC Interior will continue to push cold Arctic air towards the BC South Coast today. Outflow winds are expected to increase tonight through the mainland inlets and valleys with freezing levels and temperatures dropping overnight. The Arctic air exiting the interior combining with residual Pacific moisture over the South Coast will give the potential for the first snowfall of the season.
As is typically the case with snowfall scenarios over the South Coast, there is uncertainty in the amount and timing of snowfall accumulations. Typically in this pattern, snowfall amounts are highly variable from region to region. The timing of the cold air arriving on the South Coast and the availability of moisture will be key factors as to which regions receive significant accumulations.The situation will be monitored through the day and forecasts updated as required.The public is advised to monitor future forecasts and warnings as warnings may be required or extended.
Please monitor the latest forecasts and warnings from Environment Canada at www.weatheroffice.gc.ca.
The warning is in effect for Courtenay, Comox and Campbell River, as well as Valemount, McBride, Vancouver Gulf Islands (Southern), Sparwood, Malahat, Gonzales Point, Pitt Meadows, Esquimalt, Squamish, White Rock, Victoria (University of), Kootenay (National Park), Yoho (National Park), Chilliwack, Agassiz, Bella Coola, Nanaimo, Golden, Hope, Kitimat, Terrace, and Abbotsford.
