Lower Mainland residents brace for cold weather, significant snowfall

Dec 8, 2016 | 9:37 AM

VANCOUVER — British Columbians are being warned to pack their toques and mittens as a winter storm blows into the region.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement, saying an intense Pacific storm will bring significant snowfall to much of Vancouver Island and the south coast starting Thursday evening.

Officials predict a mix of snow and rain through the weekend, and the white stuff is expected to remain on the ground for several days because there is no significant warming trend in sight.

The agency has also issued an Arctic airflow warning for several areas on the north and central coast, as well as around Whistler, where strong blowing and chilly temperatures will lead to wind-chill values near minus 20 degrees Celsius throughout the day.