Snowfall warning begins in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley

The weather event we’ve been eyeing all week is about to start, and Vancouver is set to buckle down for some snow.

In the afternoon on Saturday, December 17, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a snowfall warning in effect for Metro Vancouver, where five to 10 cm of snow are expected to fall, and for the Fraser Valley, where 10 to 20 cm could fall.

Brrr, very cold weather is on the way beginning this weekend. DYK how to spot the signs of cold injuries? Stay safe by keeping up with alerts & forecasts, dressing warm & seeking shelter when needed.#BCStorm
Alerts: https://t.co/0UBzNN4Fai
Forecasts: https://t.co/ie92rYtnoD pic.twitter.com/f70dmRFCcX

— ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) December 16, 2022

“Persons in or near this area should be on the lookout for adverse weather conditions and take necessary safety precautions,” said ECCC.

The warning is in effect for the following Metro Vancouver regions:

Metro Vancouver – central including the City of Vancouver Burnaby and New Westminster
Metro Vancouver – North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver
Metro Vancouver – northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge
Metro Vancouver – southeast including Surrey and Langley
Metro Vancouver – southwest including Richmond and Delta
Fraser Valley – central including Chilliwack
Fraser Valley – east including Hope
Fraser Valley – west including Abbotsford

According to ECCC, an arctic front is set to bring snow and strong outflow winds Saturday night and Sunday.

“Some light snow has started over the east Fraser Valley, but is expected to become heavy at times after midnight as an arctic front begins to push into the south coast from the interior,” said ECCC.

“As the front continues to push west, the heavy snow will spread into the west Fraser Valley by very early Sunday morning and into all Metro Vancouver regions by mid to late Sunday morning.”

The winds will reduce visibility, and windchill as cold as -10°C could happen by late Sunday afternoon, as low as -15°C to -20°C in the Fraser Valley.

The agency also asks the public to keep updated on statements and be prepared for rapidly deteriorating conditions. It could get exceptionally icy if wet surfaces like roads and sidewalks freeze rapidly.

Earlier in the week, Daily Hive reported that up to 30 cm of snow was expected in the next week in Metro Vancouver. Although the forecast has frequently changed, it is expected to get much colder – below seasonal temperatures in the coming days.

Weather Forecast for Vancouver

ECCC

The snowfall warning follows a now-ended special weather statement for Metro Vancouver, which called for a “wintry mix of precipitation followed by strong outflow winds, cold temperatures and wind chill this weekend.”

For more information and the latest weather updates, you can visit ECCC’s website.

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With files from Daily Hive Staff.