More snow forecast for parts of B.C., including South Coast

Snow is back in the forecastfor parts of British Columbia on Wednesday.

Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, the Sunshine Coast, east Vancouver Island and the Malahat Highway, saying those areas could see up to five centimetres of snow.

The weather agency says a Pacific frontal system will move onto B.C.'s South Coast on Wednesday, initially bringing snow with expected accumulations of between two to five centimetres before warmer air pushes in late Wednesday afternoon and night allowing a change to rain.

Contractors in Metro Vancouver will be monitoring road conditions throughout the region, according to a statement from Mainroad, whichprovides maintenance for Lower Mainland highways.

Environment Canada says higher accumulations of snow are also possible through the central and eastern Fraser Valley, including Chilliwack and Hope into Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, a frontal system from the Gulf of Alaska is forecast to bring up to 10 centimetres of snow to the Cariboo, Prince George and Stuart-Nechako regions.

Environment Canada says another 10 centimetres is also forecast for northwestern B.C. in Teslin, Atlinand Dease Lake, with similar amounts predicted for the Whitehorse region.

Motorists are urged to move cautiously on roads where snowfall is in the forecast.Visibility may be suddenly reduced and drivers should be prepared to adjust to changing weather conditions.

"Anytime we get any amount of snow, certainly, caution is advised when you're out driving or even walking on the sidewalk," said Environment Canada meteorologist David Wray.

Wray saidwarmer weather will follow Wednesday's snowfall, bringing rain and mild temperatures to much of the province in the days to come.

He said South Coast residents can expect highs of around 8 C and lows around 3 C when the cold Pacfic frontal system passes.

"After today, we are right back into seasonal norms," he said.

For current weather alerts, visit Environment Canada and for up-to-date road conditions visit DriveBC.ca.