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Environment Canada posts winter storm watch for Metro Vancouver

Environment Canada is predicting 10 to 20 cm of snow later Wednesday through mid-day Thursday, possibly affecting the morning commute
10CoquitlamSnowfallDec302021
The Tri-Cities were hit with rapid overnight snowfall on Dec. 30, 2021, especially in Coquitlam's city centre neighbourhood and it's local trails.

Today might just be the calm before the storm.

At least that's according to Environment Canada, which is predicting a winter storm for parts of B.C. beginning tomorrow (Jan. 5).

According to the national weather agency, a low pressure system is forecast to approach the B.C. coast later Wednesday.

With expected cold temperatures overnight, the winter blast could result in rapidly accumulating snow, with amounts ranging from 10 to 20 cm by mid-day Thursday. 

Among the areas under the winter storm watch are Metro Vancouver, including Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.

Also expected to be hit by the white stuff are Greater Victoria, Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Sunshine Coast, Southern Gulf Islands, East Vancouver Island, Inland Vancouver Island, the Sea-to-Sky Highway and Malahat Highway

"Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas," states Environment Canada.

The winter storm watch was posted Tuesday (Jan. 4) at 11:05 a.m.