Snowfall warning in effect for Metro Vancouver

Snow-covered houses and the downtown Vancouver skyline are seen with the North Shore mountains in the distance on Thursday, December 30, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

A snowfall warning has been issued for Metro Vancouver, with flakes forecast to start falling Saturday night at higher elevations.

Environment and Climate Change Canada, in the warning, says minimal accumulation is expected with five to 10 centimetres predicted at elevations above 100 metres.

"Locations near sea level may start to see wet snow," according to the weather agency.

However, drivers are being told to be mindful of changing road conditions and to adjust their speed and following distance if the roads begin to get slick.

The warning comes after whipping winds and heavy rain Friday night caused power outages that left hundreds of thousands in the dark. After a start to fall characterized by high temperatures and little-to-no precipitation, the South Coast has been hit by three atmospheric rivers in just over a week and drought-weakened branches have come crashing down.

In Vancouver and Surrey, extra spaces in shelters have been opened due to near-freezing temperatures expected in the coming days.

TransLink says preparations are underway to equip the public transit system to navigate the incoming wintry weather. A statement issued Saturday said extra staff are being called in, anti-icing solution is being prepared for trolley wires, and a "special" SkyTrain that sprays de-icer on the power rail will run overnight.

"TransLink customers are encouraged to dress for the elements and use proper footwear to avoid slips and falls. To prepare for snowfall, transit riders are encouraged to build in extra travel time and plan commutes," the statement continues.

If the weather gets worse, articulated buses that run on steeper, more slippery routes may be replaced with "conventional" ones and tire socks will be added to buses that travel up Burnaby Mountain and through parts of the North Shore. In addition, there will be more staff on HandyDART buses to make sure passengers can board and disembark safely.