British Columbians prep for cold weather, significant snowfall

VANCOUVER – British Columbians are being warned to pack their toques and mittens as a winter storm blows into the region.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement, saying an intense Pacific storm will bring significant snowfall to much of Vancouver Island and the south coast starting Thursday evening.

Officials predict a mix of snow and rain through the weekend, and the white stuff is expected to remain on the ground for several days because there is no significant warming trend in sight.

The agency has also issued an Arctic airflow warning for several areas on the north and central coast, as well as around Whistler, where strong blowing and chilly temperatures will lead to wind-chill values near minus 20 degrees Celsius throughout the day.

A number of groups, including WorkSafeBC, are reminding people to wear warm clothing, minimize exposed skin and limit time outdoors.

Southern B.C. got its first taste of winter on Monday, when the first snowfall of the season caused widespread traffic delays in Vancouver and prompted the shut-down of Simon Fraser University’s campus in Burnaby.