Brace yourself, Tri-Cities!
A winter storm watch has been issued for the region as Environment Canada has strong winds, freezing rain and potentially up to 20 cm of heavy snow in the forecast for Thursday (Dec. 22) and through until Christmas Eve (Dec. 24).
Meteorologists are predicting a significant storm for Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody that could limit visibility on local roads.
"A Pacific frontal system combined with the cold Arctic air mass over B.C. will bring another round of snow to the South Coast starting Thursday night," reads Environment Canada's alert posted after 4 p.m. today (Dec. 21).
"As freezing level rises, the snow will then change to rain late Friday over Vancouver Island, and Friday night or Saturday morning over the mainland....Freezing rain is possible during the transition.
"Winter storm watches are issued when multiple types of severe winter weather are expected to occur together."
While the storm is currently heading in the Tri-Cities directions, Environment Canada says there is an uncertainty about the timing of the changeover between snow and rain, as well as precipitation amounts.
Early predictions have the switch set for early Friday morning (Dec. 23), the national agency said.
Local residents that need to travel are encouraged to do so with extreme caution as conditions could change in an instant during the winter storm.
As well, the alert is expected to lead to significant impact during rush hour through the region.
Meanwhile, an Arctic outflow warning is still in effect for the Tri-Cities.
During the winter storm, temperatures are expected to drop as low as -25 C between today and tomorrow.
Crews move on to ice control
Meanwhile, crews across Tri-Cities municipalities are out widening lanes and spot cleaning the main routes, and moving on to Priority Two and Three roads that may have been missed in the last couple of days.
Officials have stated many neighbourhood roads "will not bare pavement" and that "motorists should expect compact snow and winter driving conditions" as the focus also shifts to ice control.
Sidewalks and trails are also top-of-mind as parks staff are set to begin clearing, salting and sanding Priority One routes in that department.
