VANCOUVER: Environment Canada said Metro Vancouver faces a renewed risk of low elevation snowfall on Wednesday morning as a Pacific storm reaches the South Coast, with precipitation expected to start as wet snow or a mix of wet snow and rain in some areas. In a special weather statement issued late Tuesday, the agency said a trace to 5 centimetres of snow was possible, mainly over higher terrain and inland areas, and warned of difficult driving conditions during the morning commute.
The statement covers multiple parts of Metro Vancouver, including central areas that take in Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster, as well as the southwest that includes Richmond and Delta. Environment Canada said freezing levels were low enough for wet snow at higher elevation communities and roads and farther inland early Wednesday, with a slight risk that a heavier pocket of precipitation could briefly bring wet snow down to sea level before temperatures rise and precipitation turns to rain.
British Columbia’s Ministry of Transportation and Transit issued a traffic advisory on March 9, saying snow and winter weather were expected in Metro Vancouver overnight through Wednesday, March 11. The ministry said snow accumulation was expected, especially at higher elevations of the Lower Mainland, and said snowfall amounts could reach eight centimetres. It advised motorists to allow extra time for morning commutes, ensure vehicles are equipped with winter tires and carry extra supplies when travelling by car.
Highway conditions
Environment Canada also posted winter storm and snowfall warnings for several B.C. routes outside the urban core, including a winter storm warning for the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt. The agency said heavy snowfall could total up to 60 centimetres by Thursday morning, with near zero visibility in blowing snow and southwest wind gusts up to 100 kilometres per hour. Additional warnings included expected snowfall of 10 to 20 centimetres along the Sea to Sky corridor north of Squamish toward Whistler, with conditions forecast to intensify into Wednesday night.
In its road operations update, the province said maintenance contractors were monitoring conditions across Lower Mainland highways and applying anti icing brine proactively. The ministry said crews were actively managing cable collar systems on the Port Mann, Alex Fraser and stal̕əw̓asəm bridges, and that intermittent lane closures could occur to support winter operations. It also reminded drivers to leave space for maintenance crews and to move over safely when approaching vehicles displaying amber lights.
Forecast timeline
Environment Canada’s forecast for Vancouver called for periods of rain on Wednesday, followed by rain Wednesday night, as daytime temperatures rise above freezing after the early morning snow risk. The forecast showed a chance of showers on Thursday, a mix of sun and cloud on Friday, and sunny conditions on Saturday. The agency’s outlook included flurries or rain showers on Sunday and rain on Monday, reflecting a shift back to wetter conditions after the midweek storm.
Officials urged residents and travellers across Metro Vancouver and the wider South Coast to keep checking official alerts and local forecasts as conditions change, particularly for early morning travel and higher elevation routes. The transportation ministry reiterated guidance to slow down, leave extra stopping distance and adjust driving to changing road conditions during peak travel periods – By Content Syndication Services.