BC snowstorm: Officials say South Coast should brace for severe storm, travel not advised | FULL

Residents of B.C.’s South Coast should brace for a severe winter storm that will bring hazardous conditions, Environment Canada said Thursday.

Travel conditions will be challenging due to the heavy snow, ice pellets, freezing rain and then heavy rain on snow or ice.

Starting Thursday evening, residents of the South Coast and Vancouver Island can expect heavy snow followed by freezing rain and rain, localized strong winds, and a localized windchill of -25 due to Arctic outflow, and then localized flooding in heavy rain.

Freezing rain is expected during the transition from snow to rain, which could cause significant impacts on road conditions.

B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming strongly advised people against any unnecessary travel between Thursday evening and Saturday

“In the interest of safety, we may need to close highways at a moment’s notice,” he said.

Fleming said all maintenance contractors have been working long hours this week to try and keep roads clear and are prepared for heavy snow to hit the region beginning Thursday night.

Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness said warming centres are open in many communities across B.C.

If anyone is in need of a warming centre they should check with their local community.

“These are very dangerous conditions and we want to make sure everyone is safe,” Ma said.

She warned that power outages are also possible, especially on Vancouver Island and in the Fraser Valley.

Ma urged everyone that if they absolutely have to travel, to pack a winter survival kit including water, non-perishable food, blankets, batteries and flashlights.

For more info, please go to: https://globalnews.ca/news/9367838/winter-storm-warning-bc-thursday-travel-advisory/

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