Snow blankets parts of Metro Vancouver, prompting travel warning

Snowfall blanketedlarge parts ofMetro Vancouver on Tuesday morning, making for a slippery commute for many.

Environment Canada issued a special weather alert for the region, as bands of precipitation movingacross the Lower Mainland dumped snow on parts of the region, includingBurnaby, Surrey and the Tri-Cities.

The weather agency initially predictedaround two centimetres of snow and saidit could affect road conditions during the morning rush hour. It has since revised its estimate to up to five centimetres.

Simon Fraser University said because of thecurrent weather conditions, the noonexams on its Burnaby campuswill be rescheduled. The Burnaby campus is open, and virtual exams and exams on other campuses continue.

Environment Canada meteorologist Derek Lee said there will be a break in precipitation this afternoon and showers are expected overnightthat couldresult in more snow at higher elevations.

Snowfall warnings

Farther east, a snowfall warning has been issued for the southern Fraser Canyon, including the communities of Lytton and Boston Bar.

Environment Canada is predicting up to 15 centimetres of snow will hit thisarea by late Tuesday morning.

Drivers should be prepared for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions and reduced visibility on the road.

In the south east corner of the province, up to 20 centimetres of snow is possible in the Elk Valley,particularly in the Fernie and Morrissey areas.

The snow is expected to taper off by noon, with another 2-4 centimetrespossible later this afternoon.

Frigid temperatures

Environment Canada has also issued an arctic outflow warning for inland sections of the North Coast, including the City of Terrace.

Residents are being warned of strong outflow winds and the temperature could drop to -20 C with the wind chill Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday, when it is expected to warm somewhat.

The weather agency says there is a risk of frostbite and hypothermia, which can occurwithin minutes if adequate precautions are not taken when outdoors.