British Columbia

Subtropical storm to dump heavy rain, snow on B.C.

There is another warm, wet subtropical storm heading for British Columbia, Environment Canada warns.

Environment Canada warns 2 wet frontal systems will hit West Coast in coming days

Environment Canada says the subtropical storm will hit B.C. in two waves, on Thursday afternoon and then overnight into Friday. (Environment Canada)

There is another warm, wet subtropical storm heading for British Columbia, Environment Canada warns.

The moist Pacific warm front will dump heavy rain over the southern and coastal areas of the province and heavy snow over the northern Interior.

The first wave of the so-called pineapple express is expected to arrive on Thursday afternoon, followed by a second wave overnight and into Friday.

On the South Coast, 75 millimetres of rain are expected to fall on most areas by Friday, with up to 150 mm expected on the west coast and inland parts of Vancouver Island. The rain will continue on Saturday.

The moisture is expected to start falling as wet snow in Whistler, before switching to rain as the warmer air arrives, pushing freezing levels up around 2,000 metres.

In the Central and Northern Interior, up to 15 centimetres of snow are expected by Thursday night, with more forecast for Friday.

In the Peace River area of B.C., the moist air is expected to mix with colder arctic air, producing snow, gusty winds and up to 25 cm of snow by Friday.