Heavy snow hitting north, central B.C. triggers weather warnings

Environment Canadaissued several snowfall warnings and a winter storm watch for British Columbia on Tuesday.

The weather agency is alerting residents in northern and central regions of the province that heavy snow is expected through Wednesday.

Snowfall warnings have been issued for the B.C. Peace River region, along with theKinbasket, McGregor, North Columbia, Prince George and Willistonareas.

The snow is expected to begin Tuesday morning and intensify throughout the day and into the night, except in Kinbasket where it should taper out before midday.

Inland sections of the North Coast, including the communities of Terrace and Stewart, are also under a snowfall warning, while in Kitimat, about 60 kilometres south, a winter storm watch is alsoin effect.

According to Environment Canada, 15 to 20 centimetres of snow is expected to hit where warnings are in place, with the exception of the North Coast, which could get up to 25 centimetres.

In Kitimat, there is athreat of freezing rain until Tuesday evening, when southerly winds are expected to warm temperatures.

All communities under a weather warning can expect freezing temperatures through the week.

Government agencies are warning drivers in the affected areasto be preparedfor quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Anyone travelling through Pine Pass on Highway 97 should use winter tires and chains.

Environment Canada meteorologist Kenneth Chan says there is no snow expected for the South Coast after Monday's dusting, with just rain forecast for the remainder of the week.

Chan said a new weather system is expected to move in to the South Coast on Friday, which will mean heavier rain Saturday.

For the latest on B.C. road conditions, visit DriveBC.ca.