Wet flurries forecast for parts of B.C.’s South Coast, drivers warned

An image from a B.C. highway cam shows snowy along the Coquihalla Highway on Dec. 17, 2025.

With wet flurries in the forecast for parts of B.C.’s South Coast on Thursday, drivers are being warned to prepare for winter conditions.

Following what’s expected to be a soggy morning, Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting 20 to 30 centimetres of wet flurries to fall “over higher terrain” in the afternoon.

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit encouraged motorists to monitor road conditions and check DriveBC before heading out, particularly during periods of snow or freezing temperatures.

“People who must travel are urged to use caution and only drive if their vehicles are winter-ready and properly equipped with winter tires,” the ministry said in a bulletin Wednesday. “Drivers should also carry appropriate emergency supplies for all travellers in the vehicle.”

Crews will be prepared to activate the ice-removing cable-collar systems on the Port Mann and Alex Fraser bridges if needed, officials said.

Despite those systems, partial or full bridge closures are still sometimes necessary during winter weather, the ministry noted.

Some areas of southern B.C. have already seen snowfall Wednesday, including on the Coquihalla Highway.

A frontal system had already delivered approximately 30 centimetres of snow on the route before noon, according to an Environment Canada weather warning, and another 10 to 15 centimetres are expected to fall before Wednesday night.

Drivers headed onto Highway 5 have been encouraged to slow down and allow for extra travel time.

“Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow,” the warning reads. “Visibility will likely be reduced at times.”