New storm brings rain, wind and snow to several regions of B.C.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The latest in a series of vigorous mid-fall storms is bringing wind, rain and snow to large sections of British Columbia.

Snow or rainfall warnings are posted across most of southern B.C., the central Interior, Prince George and Peace River regions,

Environment Canada says downpours over the inner south coast, including eastern Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast and Metro Vancouver will deliver between 30 and 70 millimetres of rain.

But it says chilly conditions could mean the rain falls as wet snow at slightly higher elevations across Metro Vancouver before conditions warm up on Friday.

Environment Canada warns snow is guaranteed for regions east and north of Hope, especially over the mountain passes, as snowfall warnings call for 15 to 25 centimetres over southern B.C. through to Saturday.

Up to 30 centimetres of snow is forecast for the Cariboo Mountains while the weather office says strong, gusty winds could cut visibility in blowing snow across the central Interior and northeast before the storm eases to flurries by Friday.

Extreme weather shelters have opened in Vancouver and Surrey as the latest storm combines with near freezing temperatures.

A social media post from the City of Vancouver says additional shelter spaces are open at five facilities as the rain, wind and potential snow make temperatures feel at, or below, freezing.

Surrey has also added additional spaces at five facilities and both Surrey and Vancouver say the extra beds will remain open until at least Monday.

Feature image by iStock.com/Maxvis