Warning issued as winter weather descends on Metro Vancouver

Metro Vancouver residents should expect hazardous driving conditions as a “major winter storm” descends upon B.C.’s South Coast, according to Environment Canada.

Some areas of B.C. could see as much as 10 to 20 centimetres of snow over the weekend, while lower elevations of Metro Vancouver will be hit by a mix of rain and snow overnight Saturday.

That snow will change into heavy rain late Sunday as a warm front spreads moisture from the Pacific, Environment Canada said in a winter storm warning.

Freezing rain is expected to hit the east Fraser Valley Sunday night, creating potentially treacherous conditions for drivers commuting to work Monday. More than 50 millimetres of the wet stuff is expected to fall overnight Sunday.

Environment Canada is warning drivers to use extreme caution on highways and roads, and says walkways and parking lots may also become difficult to drive or walk on due to accumulating snow.

With files from The Canadian Press.

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  Snow blankets the Sea to Sky Highway on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015. Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning over the weekend for most of B.C., with a mix of snow and freezing rain in the forecast. Drivers are being warned to exercise caution on the roads.