Arctic wind blasts trigger alerts for Fraser Valley and other parts of B.C.

A blast of icy cold arctic wind has prompted Environment Canada to issue weather alerts for several areas of B.C.

The alert applies tothe Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, North Coast, Central Coast, Peace River and Kootenay and Yoho parks regions.

The combination of strong winds and low temperatures will cause wind chill values to drop to around -20 C tonight, according to the alert issued Wednesday morning.

The cold temperatures are expected to stick around until the next storm hits the region Thursday afternoon or evening.

That storm is expected to bring significant snow and high winds to the South Coast region, according to another Environment Canada weather statement.