Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Metro Vancouver on the first day of winter.
Earlier this morning, the federal weather forecaster issued a special weather statement, which called for heavy rainfall followed the possibility of wet snow later in the day.
Up to 5 cm of snowfall is expected this afternoon, but snowfall amounts will vary wildly depending on elevation, precipitation intensity and proximity to the water.
Today, a deepening Pacific low is making its way across Washington State. Heavy precipitation associated with this system is dragging the snow level down to near sea level. explains Environment Canada in a statement.
Drivers are advised to prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions
Metro Vancouver snowfall warning
The snowfall warning is in effect for:
- Metro Vancouver - central including the City of Vancouver Burnaby and New Westminster
- Metro Vancouver - northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge
- Metro Vancouver - southeast including Surrey and Langley
- Metro Vancouver - southwest including Richmond and Delta
Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan tells Vancouver Is Awesome in a phone interview that the weather event is somewhat of an anomaly.
"The precipitation rates are extremely high," explains Castellan. "In those intense rain moments, you can lower the freezing level--or the snow level--and create chunky rain or melting snow.
"And then you have the option of accumulating."
Later this afternoon, the heavy precipitation is expected to end as the low moves farther inland.
And following a stormy Monday, Castellan expects Vancouver will see dry weather for the rest of the week.
