Wind, winter storm warnings issued across B.C.

A screenshot shows the weather advisories in effect in B.C. on Monday, March 23.

Several weather advisories were issued across much of B.C. Monday afternoon, warning of high wind for some regions and heavy snow for others.

On northern Vancouver Island, forecasters are warning of wind gusts up to 120 km/h on Tuesday from morning to evening. On coastal sections of western Vancouver Island, the wind is expected to reach up to 100 km/h, and winds between 70 km/h and 90 km/h are predicted for inland Vancouver Island, eastern Vancouver Island and parts of the Sunshine Coast.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says power outages are possible and warned of flying debris.

On the mainland, a wind advisory is in place for parts of the Fraser Valley and the Interior, with gusts up to 80 km/h expected Tuesday evening. The special weather statement covers Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Highway 97, south and north Thompson, Nicola, the Coquihalla Highway, the Okanagan Connector, Fraser Canyon, and eastern Fraser Valley.

“High-sided vehicles may be pushed around by the wind,” the alert reads.

Snow warnings are in effect for a number of highways, including Highway 3 from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass, the Trans-Canada Highway from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass, the Yellowhead Highway from Tête Jaune Cache to the Alberta border, and Highway 97 at Pine Pass.

About 15 to 25 centimetres of snow is expected to fall on those routes as a “strong Pacific low-pressure system” moves across the Interior Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Travel will likely be challenging. Visibility will likely be reduced at times,” ECCC wrote. “Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

Winter storm warnings were also issued for several northern communities, including Prince George, Williston, Stuart-Nechako, the Lakes District, and the B.C. Peace Region.

Forecasters warn of heavy snow, near-zero visibility, strong winds and very cold wind chill values.

“Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate,” the alert reads. “Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Consider postponing non-essential travel and outdoor activities until conditions improve.”

Residents can monitor the weather alerts for their region on the ECCC website.