Numerous weather warnings in place across B.C.

As has been the case for most of the past week, there are numerous weather warnings across British Columbia for rain, snow, and winter storms.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has more than three dozen weather alerts across the province, including in Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Fraser Valley.

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In Metro Vancouver, a rainfall warning is in effect, with between 20 and 50 millimetres expected in the region, and up to 90 millimetres closer to the North Shore mountains.

The weather agency warns of flooding and water pooling as the colder temperatures make drainage more difficult. There are also warnings of falling ice from buildings and trees.

Multiple warnings are in effect. FREEZING RAIN & potentially hazardous conditions still exist for inland sections of the coast including the Fraser Valley, coastal passes & Sea to Sky Hwy. Heavy snowfall for the Columbias & Kootenays. #BCStorm
Alerts: https://t.co/UnaIlozCcZ pic.twitter.com/cA7pjnbn2V

— ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) December 24, 2022

ECCC says a “moist Pacific system” will bring heavy rain and some warmer temperatures across B.C.’s South Coast.

“Heavy rain is forecast to taper to a few showers by late this afternoon or early evening as the system moves out of the region,” the agency said.

Meanwhile, the Fraser Valley remains under a winter storm warning, with freezing rain expected Saturday. ECCC warns areas like Chilliwack, Hope, and Abbotsford could see slippery surfaces, power outages and localized flooding due to 50 millimetres of expected precipitation.

“Freezing rain at times heavy will gradually transition to heavy rain as temperatures rise above freezing. This transition will occur this morning in Abbotsford and Mission, near noon in Chilliwack and very late this afternoon or early evening in Hope,” the ECCC weather alert stated Saturday morning.

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The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) between Hope and Merritt, Highway 3 between Hope to Princeton, and the Sea to Sky Highway between Squamish and Whistler are all under winter storm warnings as well.

B.C. has been experiencing a blast of extreme conditions since Sunday. Two significant snowfalls, mixed with consecutive days of freezing temperatures wreaked havoc across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Transit, airports and drivers all experienced issues throughout the week, and cleanup continues.

On Friday, the Alex Fraser and Port Mann bridges were forced to close due to the risk of falling snow and ice. There have also been numerous power outages over the past few days due to fallen tree branches on power lines.

B.C. Transportation Minister Rob Fleming implored to the public on Thursday to avoid all non-essential travel heading into the weekend due to the risk posed by the wintery conditions.