Environment Canada is forecasting a day of turbulent weather in B.C. Wednesday, with wind warnings issued along the coast and snow warnings in the Interior.
Winter storms are expected in the Bulkley Valley and Prince George areas that could deliver up to 15 centimetres of snow by the end of the day.
The agency warns of limited visibility in the regions caused by a combination of snowfall and strong winds of up to 60 kilometres per hour.
Snowfall is forecast in the Cariboo and Elk Valley as well, but blowing snow is not expected. Up to 15 centimetres of snow is expected in the Cariboo and up to 30 centimetres is forecast for Elk Valley overnight.
Whistler Mountain is taking advantage of the wintery conditions, opening one week early on Friday.
‘Potentially damaging winds'
Environment Canada is also warning of an intense low pressure system over the southern tip of Haida Gwaii that could cause "potentially damaging winds" along the coast.
Winds of 80 to 100 kilometres per hour are expected over the Central Coast, with winds of up to 80 kilometres over the Sunshine Coast and East Vancouver Island today. They are expected to diminish in the afternoon.
The conditions have already forced BC Ferries to cancel a 9 a.m. sailing from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen and the 11 a.m. return trip. Afternoon sailings will be weather dependent. Up-to-date scheduling information is available at the company's website.
Winds of up to 110 kilometres are also forecast over Haida Gwaii and the inlets and valleys of the North Coast, and are expected to continue throughout the day.
Northeast wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour are expected over the Williston region as well.
