Storm warning: Up to 50 cm of snow expected on Coquihalla and Hwy 3

(UPDATE: Jan. 8 @ 7:45 am): Environment Canada has updated its winter storm watch for Interior highways to a winter storm warning.

The agency said between 30 and 50 centimetres of snowfall could occur along Hwy 3 (Hope to Princeton via Allison Pass) and the Coquihalla (Hope to Merritt).

It said there could "near zero visibility at times" alongside heavy snow, "blizzard-like conditions" and winds of up to 80 kilometres an hour.

"A series of weather systems are expected to bring heavy snow to the BC Interior beginning today," Environment Canada explained. "A frontal system will sweep through the region today, followed by a slow moving low pressure system that will linger through to early Wednesday.

"Snow will begin morning while the heaviest snow will fall from tonight into early Wednesday morning."

The agency urged people to consider postponing any non-essential travel until the storm passes.

Hwy 3 between Paulson Summit and Kootenay Pass, meanwhile, has had its winter storm warning downgraded to a winter storm watch.

The road is still expected to see up to 50 cm of snow, however.

Elsewhere in the province, the south and central coast are bracing for their first taste of winter weather.

Environment Canada said "significant snow accumulations" are expected for inland sections of the central and south coast Monday and Tuesday, while strong winds are predicted for western and southern Vancouver Island.

It added there is also potential for snow along the coastal sections of the south and eastern Vancouver Island that will be followed by heavy rain.

Meanwhile, about 10 to 15 centimetres of heavy snow is expected to fall in Whistler and along the Sea to Sky Highway starting Monday afternoon.

The weather office said Howe Sound, and East Fraser Valley including Hope can also expect similar amount of snow before a warm front settles in later Monday that will cause a transition to rain.

Environment Canada said specific weather warnings may be issued as the storm develops.

– With files from Canadian Press

(Original story: Jan. 7 @ 4 pm): Environment Canada says inland sections of the central and south coasts of British Columbia should prepare for significant snowfall early this week.

It says there is also potential for snow at sea level along the coastal sections of the south coast and eastern Vancouver Island on Monday.

But the weather office says mild air moving into the region will help transition any coastal snow to rain by Monday afternoon, with the most significant amounts expected for West Vancouver Island.

It says strong winds will develop on the west side of Vancouver Island Monday night and continue into Tuesday.

Environment Canada says these winds will also reach the inner south coast on Tuesday.

It is warning that heavy snow combined with strong winds may result in zero visibility for drivers on the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt and Hope to Princeton from Monday night until Wednesday morning.

The weather office issued a storm watch for the highway Sunday, saying strong winds and blizzard−like conditions can be expected at the highest elevations.

Environment Canada says similar conditions are also expected along Highway 3 from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass as a frontal system sweeps through the region, bringing heavy snow for much of Tuesday into Wednesday morning.

It says winter storm watches are issued when multiple types of severe winter weather are expected to occur together and is advising drivers to avoid travelling if possible.