The federal weather agency forecast heavy snowfall for the south coast, with warnings for Metro Vancouver, the Sea-to-Sky region, the Sunshine Coast, the Fraser Valley and all of Vancouver Island except for the northern tip.
On the mainland, the falls could reach 15 to 25 cm, in some places even 35 cm. Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands could receive 10 to 20 inches of snow.
Winter storm warnings also apply to Prince George and the Stuart Nechako area.
Snowfall is expected to ease by Saturday afternoon. A frontal system over the Gulf of Alaska will also bring snow inland, with snowfall likely to intensify Saturday night and reach 40cm. Motorists are urged to be careful or to postpone their journeys.
Vancouver Airport is canceling or delaying some flights
Vancouver Airport says it’s prepared for 6 to 10 inches of snowfall and is ready for de-icing operations. The airport expects the falls to be strongest from 7 p.m. to midnight on Saturday. Around 15 percent of the flights were canceled or delayed, the airport said early on Saturday afternoon.
The airlines have been asked to provide towing services so that empty planes are not left in front of the gates. Passengers are encouraged to check their flight status before proceeding to the airport and allow additional travel time given weather conditions.
On Friday, the Department for Transport said crews would spread abrasives on roads and clear snow, while reminding drivers to avoid unnecessary trips in poor conditions.
For its part, TransLink also said it was taking action in anticipation of the snowfall, including hiring more staff.
With information from The Canadian Press and Adam van der Zwan