UPDATE: A long period of snowfall with total amounts of 15 to 25 cm is now expected. The Metro Vancouver weather forecast calls for more snow to slam the region today. Majority of the lower mainland saw between 5-10cm of snow on Sunday, and there’s apparently more on the way. Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for: City of Vancouver – including Burnaby and New Westminster – including Burnaby and New Westminster Metro Vancouver – northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge – northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge Metro Vancouver – southeast including Surrey and Langley – southeast including Surrey and Langley Metro Vancouver – southwest including Richmond and Delta – southwest including Richmond and Delta North Shore – including West Vancouver and North Vancouver Metro Vancouver Weather Forecast A second low pressure centre in as many days will give more snow to the South Coast beginning this afternoon. The heaviest amounts will fall tonight and early Tuesday morning. This second disturbance “will spread snow to virtually the entire South Coast with heaviest amounts falling tonight” reads a statement. Total snowfall amounts will vary across the region with 15 to 25 cm falling in most areas with somewhat higher amounts possible on Vancouver Island. Individuals are asked to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.<doc-sep>Send this page to someone via email It’s shaping up to be one nasty day for weather on Friday. Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for the eastern parts of Metro Vancouver along with the Fraser Valley, Greater Victoria, Howe Sound and Whistler areas. That’s on top of light snow that was already in the forecast, though late Thursday Global BC Meteorologist said the likelihood of a serious snow event was declining. Gordon says snow is expected to begin falling early Friday, meaning commuters should be prepared for the conditions — including having winter tires equipped. “Our snow event for the Lower Mainland is becoming less likely. It is turning out to be more of a wind event,” said Gordon. “For the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast we could see anywhere from zero to five cenitmetres. That’s not a major snow event. We will see it through the day, on and off, depending on your location.” Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "For the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast we could see anywhere from zero to five cenitmetres. That's not a major snow event. We will see it through the day, on and off, depending on your location." Story continues below advertisement The majority of this snow is forecast to fall Friday morning but there is chance of flurries later Friday into Saturday morning. View image in full screen Strong outflow winds expected later in the day Friday, Feb 8th through Saturday. Global BC More serious accumulations are forecast for southern and eastern Vancouver Island. These areas could see anywhere from five to 15 cm by Saturday morning. The strong outflow winds will cause “Strait Effect” snow, the South Coast’s version of “lake effect snow.” This is when strong outflow winds across the Strait of Georgia, pick up moisture and dump snow along eastern and south parts of Vancouver Island. This region will experience waves of snowfall from Friday morning through Saturday morning. In the Lower Mainland, TransLink has activated its snow response plan, which includes additional staffing and coordination with local municipalities to ensure priority bus routes are clear. Story continues below advertisement It is also deploying de-icing trucks and trains to clear SkyTrain rails and trolley wires. If conditions become severe, it says it will rotate out articulated buses and add ‘tire socks’ to buses serving Burnaby Mountain. Nonetheless, commuters are reminded to plan for extra time in their trip, and to watch TransLink’s mobile website for updates. The City of Vancouver says it’s ready for the snow, and streets operations manager Erin Hoess says extra staff have been shifted. “We have been treating our priority routes all throughout the last week,” she said. WATCH: Tire expert explains what makes a tire winter suitable 1:02 Tire expert explains what makes a tire winter suitable Tire expert explains what makes a tire winter suitable – Oct 1, 2018 “Our priority routes are our city’s arterials. That also includes our corner ramps and our bus stops of arterials, our priority hills,” Hoess added. “We have a few priority bike routes identified as well, and of course our emergency routes.” Story continues below advertisement The city is also reminding people to prepare for the snow in advance and to treat their sidewalks with de-icing material ahead of time. READ MORE: Surrey Urban Mission hits capacity, seeks donations to help area homeless Residents of both Surrey and Vancouver are required to clear sidewalks by 10 a.m. the day after a snowfall. People with mobility problems, however, can call 311 in Vancouver to take advantage of the ‘snow angel’ program. Residents are also encouraged to assist their neighbours if they look like they need help. Extreme weather shelters have also been activated across the region for the homeless, along with the City of Vancouver’s overnight warming centres. Additional shelter space and warming centres are available in Vancouver tonight until Tuesday morning due to an Extreme Weather Alert. The City and various non-profit organizations visit people who are sleeping outside to encourage them to come indoors daily. Details are below: pic.twitter.com/rP7kq6UfHX — City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) February 7, 2019 View image in full screen Strong outflow winds expected later in the day Friday, Feb 8th through Saturday. Global BC Windstorm possible The biggest concern for the Lower Mainland will be strong outflow winds. Story continues below advertisement These are forecast to develop through the day on Friday but the strongest winds won’t be felt until the evening. Possibly as early as 5:00 p.m. and will continue overnight Friday through Saturday. These wind gusts could reach 60 to 90 kilometres per hour with the Fraser Valley and south-eastern Metro Vancouver out to Tsawwassen getting hit hardest. There are also concerns about blowing snow and reduced visibility on the roads and highways, especially out in the Fraser Valley. View image in full screen Wind forecast for Friday evening. Global BC Howling winds dominate the forecast Friday through Saturday on the South Coast. Additionally, cold air already in place will aid in low-elevation snow as a low pressure system develops near Vancouver Island. See updated Special Weather Statement! https://t.co/TaoZeu65cF #BCstorm. — ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) February 7, 2019 Power outages are also very likely, said Gordon. “Tree branches in this type of cold can be brittle and break easily. These power outages are not expected until we see the strongest winds Friday evening, overnight and Saturday.” Story continues below advertisement We have good confidence we will see these strong outflow winds from Friday evening through Saturday but there remains uncertainty around how strong exactly. READ MORE: Possible south coast snow, -40 C temperatures for the interior as arctic blast hits B.C. The weather is expected to clear Saturday and into Sunday, but that is forecast to bring plunging temperatures with overnight lows hitting -7 C.<doc-sep>Large swathes of B.C. could be hit with heavy snowfall beginning Friday morning as arctic air begins to blow. Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for much of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, including Howe Sound-Whistler, the Fraser Valley, Greater Victoria and the southern Gulf Islands. "These areas may experience possible damaging winds, bitterly cold wind chill values and reduced visibilities in blowing snow," the weather service wrote in a statement. CBC meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe said the snow is expected to start to fall steadily at around 5 a.m. PT on Friday and ease later that evening. The Fraser Valley could see up to five centimetres and one to four centimetres may fall in Metro Vancouver. Snowsqualls — snow fallling in sudden, heavy gusts — may develop on eastern Vancouver Island and potentially push the accumulation to as high as 25 centimetres. Models fairly consistent with the start time of the steadier flakes -- tomorrow ~5 am. European model slightly later start. But good idea to be prepared for a slower am commute tmrw regardless of snow amounts! #vancouver pic.twitter.com/LDdXVJ1Tlm —@JWagstaffe Shelters open Victoria has its extreme weather protocol in place, a program that increases the number of shelter beds available from faith groups, non-profit organizations and emergency services when inclement weather is expected or temperatures dip below freezing. Regional coordinator Jen Wilde said there are 450 shelter beds available across the region. So far, they have been able to provide space to everyone who has come to them. "We're definitely seeing people showing up and utilizing them but we're not maxing out at this point," Wilde said. In Vancouver, additional shelter space and warming centres will be open until Tuesday, Feb. 11. Anyone sleeping outside will be encouraged to come indoors. Additional shelter space and warming centres are available in Vancouver tonight until Tuesday morning due to an Extreme Weather Alert. The City and various non-profit organizations visit people who are sleeping outside to encourage them to come indoors daily. Details are below: pic.twitter.com/rP7kq6UfHX —@CityofVancouver Transit, Ferries On the roads and ferries, travellers are being urged to take precautions. B.C. Transit spokesperson Jonathan Dyck said its bus drivers will drive according to the conditions and it is possible morning commutes will be disrupted Friday. "Routes might be canceled, delayed or detoured as appropriate," Dyck said. "We ... do everything we can to keep to schedule and keep on route, but the road conditions dictate what we can do." TransLink in Metro Vancouver says it is salting and sanding bus loops and SkyTrain stations, but advises customers to use caution in the area and dress warmly in anticipation of potential delays. BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall said its vessels are expected to be unaffected by the weather, but salting and snow plowing of the terminals could cause delays. She advised passengers to give themselves a little extra time if taking a ferry.<doc-sep>A special weather statement remains in effect, with Environment Canada forecasting two to four centimetres of snow today for Metro Vancouver. Article content VANCOUVER, B.C. – Snow is expected to fall on Metro Vancouver Friday, with up to four centimetres accumulation. A special weather statement for snow and Arctic wind Friday and Saturday remains in effect for the South Coast. Some regions will likely see more snow, according to Environment Canada, including parts of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, which could see up to 10 centimetres. Later in the day, B.C. Ferries cancelled the 8:15 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. sailings of the Coastal Inspiration between Tsawwassen and Duke Point because of high winds. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Vancouver Weather: Some snow, cold winds force ferry cancellations Back to video In Metro Vancouver, Friday is expected to be mainly cloudy, with periods of snow beginning early this morning, and a high of 1 C. Tonight, there’s a good chance the region will see more snow and wind, with an overnight low of – 3 C. The weather agency says, however, with the wind chill that’s going to feel more like – 11 C. The snow flurries could continue into Saturday morning, with a high of 1 C, but then it looks like the snow will clear up in the afternoon. It’s going to be a blustery one though, with wind gusts up to 70 km/h in some areas. Saturday night will be freezing with a low of – 8 C and then Sunday is sunny with a high of zero.<doc-sep>
Send this page to someone via email South Coast residents who have been taunting their eastern neighbours with photos of daffodils will have to shift gears this week, with more chilly weather on the way. Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, southern and eastern Vancouver Island along with the Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound and Whistler. The agency is forecasting several centimetres of snow for some parts of the region on beginning on Thursday night and into Friday, followed by an icy arctic outflow on Friday night and Saturday. The coldest air of the season entered BC this past weekend. Watch the temperatures drop as the Arctic air creeps into Southern BC. For tips to stay safe during this cold weather visit: https://t.co/Sg3DFAkGmW #BCwx #Brrrr #StayWarm pic.twitter.com/BMjsRlcCLU — ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) February 5, 2019 “Most areas will receive at least a few centimetres of accumulation by late Friday. However, there is potential for much higher accumulations over some regions,” reads the statement. Story continues below advertisement “The most recent weather models suggest the areas favoured for higher accumulations will be East and Inland Vancouver Island, Greater Victoria and the Fraser Valley.” Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The most recent weather models suggest the areas favoured for higher accumulations will be East and Inland Vancouver Island, Greater Victoria and the Fraser Valley." Global BC meteorologist Kristi Gordon said the exact timing and how much snow will fall remains unclear, but that the region is likely to bear the brunt of the precipitation on Friday. “It’s really not [Thursday] that’s the the main snow event. We’ll see a few flurries in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley could see maybe a couple of centimetres. It’s more so Friday that will be the main snow event where we could see significant accumulations,” she said. “We could see that as early as your commute to work on Friday, or to school on Friday.” Story continues below advertisement The City of Vancouver says it is prepared for the snow, with salting and brining crews shifted 24 hours a day, and a new salt contract to ensure stockpiles are sufficient. With overnight temperatures forecast to plunge to -7 C this week, ice has been visible in the Fraser River, and ponds and lakes in the the area have begun to freeze. The Vancouver Park Board and the City of Surrey issued warnings Wednesday, asking people to keep off the ice, which remains quite thin and unsafe. The ice on lakes and ponds in Vancouver is very thin. Please keep your dog on a leash near frozen water as they can break through the ice. #VanParkBoard staff are monitoring the conditions. pic.twitter.com/RAEJSqBHT8 — Vancouver Park Board (@ParkBoard) February 6, 2019 With the plunging temperatures, emergency shelters are also open across the region. In the City of Vancouver, four emergency shelters have opened, while overnight warming centres have also been activated in three community centres and the Powell Street Getaway. Advocates for the homeless also continued to hit the streets, handing out warm drinks along with winter clothing and blankets. The Union Gospel Mission has issued a call for donations to help keep the city’s homeless warm. Additional shelter space and warming centres are available in Vancouver tonight due to an Extreme Weather Alert. Every day, the City and multiple service provider organizations are visiting people who are sleeping outside to encourage them to come indoors. Details are below: pic.twitter.com/TNefqhiPdT — City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) February 5, 2019 #ExtremeWeatherAlert issued for #SurreyBC. Shelter spaces open: – 10635 King George Blvd. – 13639 108 Ave. – 15262 Pacific Ave. – 10453 Whalley Blvd. – 13686 94 A Avenue – 5337 180th Street – 13351 105A Avenue For full shelter listings call 211 or visit: https://t.co/rZq7G9sfwN — City of Surrey (@CityofSurrey) February 7, 2019 Story continues below advertisement The prospect of enough snow accumulating to stick on the ground also means residents will be expected to clear their sidewalks. In Vancouver, sidewalks must be cleared by 10 a.m. the day after a snowfall, or residents could be subject to a $250 fine. People with mobility problems can call 311 to take advantage of Vancouver’s Snow Angel program, which coordinates volunteers to help clear walkways. Residents are also asked to keep an eye on their neighbours, and offer help to those who may face challenges shoveling snow. WATCH: B.C. south coast and southern interior under winter weather alerts 1:53 B.C.