It might be routine weather for the rest of the province, but residents of Greater Victoria and Metro Vancouver are feeling the first late fall storm to come through the area.

As much as five centimetres of snow could blanket the Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island through the day. Up to 10 centimetres are possible in the Fraser Valley.

The snowy conditions have forced the cancellations of many exams Friday at Simon Fraser University's Burnaby campus.

The southern Interior could endure harsher conditions -- with up to 20 centimetres forecast before tomorrow, followed by a blast of arctic air that could dip the mercury to the low teens by Tuesday.

And even though the Whistler mountains aren't forecast for much snow, it will be cold -- with high alpine altitudes dipping down to -22 degrees without the wind chill. 

If you're headed on the Sea-to-Sky this weekend, it is best to take precautions.

Mounties will be conducting vehicle checks along the winding highway today to ensure that all drivers have snow tires, all season tires or chains.

Officials say the inspections are timely with this early winter blast.

Drivers whose cars are deemed unfit for winter travel will be turned back and, depending on the condition of the vehicle, could also be hit with a hefty ticket.

With files from The Canadian Press