Rainfall warning for Metro Vancouver, snow in the Interior
40 to 60 mm of rain expected by evening in Metro Vancouver, Environment Canada says
Up to 60 millimetres of rain is expected to fall on Metro Vancouver by Tuesday evening as a rainstorm sweeps through the region, forecasters say, and a snowfall warning is in effect for major highways in southern B.C.
Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning covering most of Metro Vancouver beginning Monday night, predicting 40 to 60 millimetres by Tuesday evening. Up to 100 millimetres of rain is expected on the central coast, turning to snow at higher elevations.
"We've got a fairly large scale frontal system affecting much of southern British Columbia," said Chris Gibbons, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.
The storm is expected to bring heavy snow to some other parts of the province.
With heavy snow falling a number of community services in the North Thompson won't be operating today. BC Transit, Work BC and all Yellowhead Community Services programs will not be running. Dutch Lake Community Centre is also being closed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Clearwater?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Clearwater</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Barriere?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Barriere</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCStorm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCStorm</a> <a href="https://t.co/TSEY6xCUXJ">pic.twitter.com/TSEY6xCUXJ</a>
—@DHerbertCBCMuch of the southern Interior is under a snowfall warning, including Kelowna, with 20 to 30 centimetres of snow expected.
Travel along the mountain passes is expected to be treacherous as well, with warnings issued for Highways 1, 3, and 5, including Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass on the Trans-Canada Highway. Heavy, wet snow is expected on the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt, with up to 20 centimetres expected by Tuesday evening.
Crews out on Highway 1 in Malakwa working hard to keep up with the heavy snow fall that is still happening. Please slowdown and give them space. Drive to the conditions.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCHwy1?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCHwy1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TranBC_OKS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TranBC_OKS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TranBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TranBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shiftintowinter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shiftintowinter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/snowstorm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#snowstorm</a> <a href="https://t.co/3f2pzElAYt">pic.twitter.com/3f2pzElAYt</a>
—@AimRoadsEnvironment Canada is advising against non-essential travel until conditions improve.
In Metro Vancouver, RCMP are warning motorists to slow down because of danger from puddles and pooled water on the roads.
Gibbons says New Year's Eve celebrations might get a respite from the rain.
"Hopefully we'll see the rain taper off through the evening here and dry out in time for festivities later on," said Gibbons.
"There is a bit of hope."
Forecasters are warning that floods are possible in low-lying areas, along with washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
