Snow, freezing rain warnings issued for B.C. Interior

Heavy snow falls as a pedestrian walks through Central Park in Burnaby, B.C., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Parts of B.C.’s central Interior are being told to expect a blast of winter weather Monday.

A snowfall warning is in effect for the southern Cariboo region, including Williams Lake, 100 Mile House and Highway 97. Environment Canada predicts 10 to 15 centimetres of snow will fall by Monday night, with the potential for freezing rain mixed in.

“Be prepared for hazardous driving conditions and slippery surfaces,” the alert reads. “Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Prepare for possible disruptions to transportation, services, and utilities.”

The warning was later expanded to include the North and South Thompson, Shuswap and North Okanagan regions.

The Pacific frontal system has also triggered a freezing rain warning for the Chilcotin region, and forecasters say to expect ice accretion throughout the area including sections of Highway 20.

“Roads and walkways will likely become icy and slippery,” the weather agency wrote. “Be very careful if walking or driving. Be aware of falling ice and branches.”

In addition, parts of the central Interior including Fort St. James, Prince George and Quesnel will experience a “wintry mix of precipitation” Monday, according to a special weather statement issued for the area.

“Moisture and warm air aloft will collide with arctic air that is currently entrenched over the region to generate snow, at times mixed with freezing rain early this morning, and again this afternoon for the Cariboo region. Snow will continue into the evening and taper off overnight,” the notice says.

Snowfall amounts are expected to remain below the threshold for a weather warning, but Environment Canada asked residents to prepare for hazardous driving conditions.