Schools, roads close as latest winter storm brings snow, rain to B.C.

VANCOUVER – Schools closed early and travellers were warned about slippery roads as British Columbia prepared for the latest blast of winter weather.

Environment Canada has issued storm and snowfall warnings stretching from Victoria to Alberta.

The advisories warn that hazardous conditions were expected as heavy snow falls Wednesday night, possibly followed by freezing rain and heavy downpours as temperatures climb on Thursday.

The weather agency says some areas of the Fraser Canyon and Coquihalla Summit could see 50 centimetres of snow before Thursday, while up to 60 centimetres is forecast to fall on the Sea-to-Sky Highway between Squamish and Whistler.

Several schools across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland cancelled classes for Wednesday afternoon and evening, including Simon Fraser University, the British Columbia Institute of Technology and the University of Victoria.

B.C.’s Transportation Ministry says crews were keeping a close eye on conditions around the Lower Mainland, including the Alex Fraser and Port Mann bridges, which may close if conditions become dangerous.

Its advisories say heavy snowfall was expected to elevate avalanche hazards along Highway 1 near the Alberta boundary, and as much as 70 centimetres of snow was forecast on Highway 5 near Merritt.

Travellers along both routes were advised to consider other travel plans.