Impending Pacific storm threatens holiday travel in BC

Friday, December 19, 2014, 3:37 PM - A Pacific storm moving through British Columbia may impact holiday travel plans, forecasters warn.

The storm will push into the province overnight into Saturday -- bringing rain to the coastal passes and snow to the interior passes.

"Lots of cities will surpass their average rain for December with this next system, including Vancouver," says Weather Network meteorologist Kelly Sonnenburg. 

Environment Canada says rain may transition to snow over higher elevations of the Coquihalla and Allison passes. Wind and rainfall warnings were issued for several parts of province including the Vancouver Island, Metro Vancouver, and the central coast,

In Metro Vancouver, up to 60 mm of rain could fall by Sunday morning, before tapering off to a few showers by midday.

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"Additional snowfall is expected for Rogers Pass and with lesser amounts for Kootenay and Crowsnest passes," says the agency in a special weather statement. 

Making matters worse will be the winds. 

"Gusts could reach 80 km/h through the Strait of Georgia," cautions Sonnenburg.

Wind warnings were in effect for the central coast, east Vancouver Island, Greater Victoria, Haida Gwaii, North Vancouver Island, Southern Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast.

For more information on active weather in your location, make sure to tune into The Weather Network

Those with travel plans are advised to monitor the forecast over the weekend as snowfall totals are subject to change.

For information on current road conditions, visit www.drivebc.ca. 

Visit our ALERTS page for updates on watches and warnings in your area.