Powerful winds, heavy snow and bitter cold set to hit parts of B.C.

British Columbia is bracing for another bout of severe winter weather, with forecasters warning of strong winds, heavy snowfall and dangerously cold temperatures across several regions on Monday.

Environment Canada has issued wind warnings for Metro Vancouver, where gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour are expected by the afternoon. The strongest winds are forecast for southern parts of the region, including Richmond, Delta, Surrey and Langley, with particularly intense conditions near Tsawwassen and Boundary Bay. Wind speeds are expected to ease by the evening.

Snowfall warnings are also in effect for parts of the Southern Interior. Forecasters say up to 15 centimetres of snow could accumulate around Manning Provincial Park, affecting Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton as well as Highway 5, the Coquihalla Highway, between Hope and Merritt.

Travel through the region remains challenging. A 46-kilometre stretch of Highway 3 between Hope and Manning Park Resort remains closed due to flooding damage and is expected to stay shut for several weeks. Elsewhere, road conditions vary, with slushy sections and compact snow reported in some areas.

Drivers are being advised to allow extra travel time, ensure winter tires are installed, and carry chains where required. Reduced visibility is expected at times as snowfall intensifies.

Further west, Haida Gwaii is under a snowfall warning, with 15 to 25 centimetres of snow possible throughout the day. Officials caution that roads and walkways may become difficult to navigate, and that the weight of snow could lead to tree damage and power outages.

In northern B.C., an Arctic outflow warning is in place for parts of the Skeena region, including Terrace and Kitimat. Temperatures there are expected to drop to between –9 C and –11 C, with wind chill values nearing –20 C.

Environment Canada warns that exposure to these conditions could result in frostbite or hypothermia within minutes if proper precautions are not taken. The agency says the bitterly cold air mass is expected to gradually ease beginning Wednesday afternoon.

Residents across affected regions are being urged to monitor forecasts closely and take appropriate safety measures as the storm system moves through the province.