Snowfall warning issued for Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island

Environment Canada is warning of snow and wintry weather for B.C.'s South Coast starting Saturday night, in what will be the region's first widespread snowfall of the season.

The weather agency says a wintry mix of weather conditions will hit the region over the weekend, with a period of heavy snowfall expected to start Saturday night and Sunday morning.

It's forecasting total snowfall of 10 to 20 centimetres in Metro Vancouver, though snow accumulations could vary across the region.

"The highest amounts will likely occur over higher terrain, but other areas may see locally intense flurries giving reduced visibility and heavy snow accumulation," Environment Canada's weather statement reads.

Another round of heavy snow may develop Sunday night into Monday morning.

A snowfall warning is also in place for Greater Victoria and the west coast of Vancouver Island. Environment Canada says up to five centimetres of snow is expected there throughout the day Saturday, and that conditions will likely ease by the afternoon. 

The agency is advising drivers across the South Coast to be prepared for quickly changing conditions.

A special weather statement is also in effect for the entirety of Vancouver Island, the Southern Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound, Whistler, Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, with Environment Canada warning of blowing snow and arctic outflow conditions.

B.C.'s north and central coasts are under an Arctic outflow warning, with Environment Canada saying wind chill could make it feel like –20 or –25 C from Saturday night until Tuesday.

"Winds will be very strong through the mainland inlets, where northeasterly winds may gust up to 90 to 110 km/h beginning [Saturday] night," the warning reads.

The forecaster is advising residents of those areas to bundle up tight, saying frostbite and hypothermia could occur within minutes outdoors if precautions aren't taken.

Avalanche Canada has said the avalanche risk is high or considerable for much of B.C.'s South Coast, advising backcountry users to avoid avalanche terrain if possible.

Officials begin preparation

Metro Vancouver's transit authority, TransLink, said in a statement Friday that it was preparing all its services for the winter weather.

It said it is co-ordinating with municipalities to keep priority routes clear of snow, and is spreading anti-icing solution on trolley bus wires and running trains overnight to prevent snow buildup on SkyTrain tracks.

Air Canada, WestJet and Flair Airlines have all issued travel advisories for passengers going to the Vancouver and Abbotsford airports over the weekend, with the airlines saying they would waive change fees if travellers want to modify their bookings.

"YVR is proactively monitoring conditions and treating runways, taxiways, and other critical areas with anti-icing agents," the Vancouver International Airport said in a statement. 

"Specialized maintenance crews are activated to oversee snow clearing and de-icing, ensuring operations remain fully functional."

In an Ipsos survey conducted for the Insurance Corporation of B.C. in November 2024, 60 per cent of respondents said they felt "very" or "somewhat" nervous driving in winter conditions such as snow, sleet, ice and slush.

More Metro Vancouver respondents said they felt nervous, compared to the rest of B.C.

ICBC spokesperson Greg Harper said the first widespread snowfall of the season is a good reminder for drivers to have winter tires installed, drive carefully and give snowplows extra space on the highways.

He said the provincial insurer regularly sees claims spike during snowy conditions, but it often depends on when the snow falls and how heavy it is.