Snowfall warnings lifted on B.C. South Coast

UPDATE — Feb. 15, 2019, 6:30 a.m. PT: Snowfall and all other weather warnings have been lifted on the South Coast.

EARLIER STORY: We're not in the clear yet.

Environment Canada has snowfall warnings in place for the B.C. South Coast, including Metro Vancouver, Howe Sound, Whistler, the Fraser Valley, the Sunshine Coast and the eastern side of Vancouver Island, with five to 15 centimetres of snow expected by early Friday.

The heaviest snowfall was expected Thursday evening, but weather office says milder temperatures mean the snow could change to rain overnight in parts of Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria and the southern Gulf Islands.

The agency says mixed precipitation will spread to most other south coastal regions Friday afternoon or evening.

In the Howe Sound and central coast regions, powerful winds are the problem, with the weather office warning of gusts between 90 and 110 kilometres per hour.

The statement warns that rising temperatures and rain Thursday night and Friday may cause increased snow melt, leading to slushy roadways and poor drainage.

Transit plans in place

TransLink, Metro Vancouver's public transit authority, says it will have extra staff throughout its system in anticipation of the forecast. 

It says articulated buses may be replaced with shorter buses as they have better traction in snowy conditions. This may increase crowding during the morning commute. SkyTrain frequency may be reduced as crews make sure snow and ice are cleared off the tracks. 

Handydart service is operating normally, but if overnight conditions leave driveways, sidewalks and stairwells in poor condition, the service will be cut back to essential service only.

The Seabus and West Coast Express are operating normally.