Major snowfall, freezing temperatures hit B.C.

The blast of winter weather in British Columbiacontinued Sunday with a snowstorm for the southern half of the province and weather warnings throughout B.C.

On the south coast, snowfall warnings were issued for areas throughout Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley, with temperatures hovering near -3 C Sunday, but Environment Canada said it felt like -16 C with the wind chill.

As much as 15 centimetres of snow was expected fall in the region Sunday, with sunny breaks expected Monday.

On the Fraser River, the Albion ferry linking Maple Ridge and Langley was out of service due to ice.

It was so cold in Metro Vancouver on Sunday that SkyTrain service was delayed because the doors on the cars were frozen shut.

Travellers were advised to check with their airlines before departing for Vancouver International Airport, as many flights were delayed and cancelled because of the snowfall.

On Northern Vancouver Island, approximately 1,900 customers were without power Sunday morning. BC Hydro said power should be restored to most customers by the afternoon.

On the north coast, an Arctic outflow warning was issued Sunday with temperatures near -2 C and high winds expected.

In the southern interior, snowfall warnings remained in effect Sunday with as much as 14 centimetres expected to fall between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning. Temperatures were expected to remain steady at around -10 C Sunday throughMonday morning.

In the Okanagan, 200 customers were without power Sunday. Crews expected power to be restored by Sunday evening.

In the central interior, snowwas expected to continue Sunday with high winds and temperatures around-12 C.

As much as seven centimetres of snow was expected to fall between Sunday night and Monday morning, tapering off in the afternoon.

In the Peace River District, wind chill and frostbite warnings remained in effect Sunday, with temperatures expected to hit -32 C. Environment Canada warned it could feel as cold as -46 C with wind chill and frostbite could occurin a matter of minutes.