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Heavy rain and snowfall forecast for northwest B.C.

Hazardous winter conditions expected in Stewart Nov. 19-22
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A truck plows Greig Ave. in Terrace during a snow storm Nov. 17, 2020. (Black Press Media file photo)

Hazardous winter conditions are expected in northern B.C. from Nov. 19 to Nov. 22, according to a weather warning by Environment Canada.

The warning is in effect for the north coast inland including Stewart. Winter storm warnings are issued when multiple types of severe winter weather are expected to occur together.

A weather alert issued by Environment Canada on Friday (Nov. 19) afternoon, anticipates heavy snow and rain.

“Snow accumulation up to 25 cm is expected, and will be followed by an atmospheric river type flow of warm air and heavy rain,” said the weather agency in its winter storm warning. As a result of which, heavy snow, followed by heavy rain and high freezing levels can cause snowpack to melt and drain to lower elevations.

“Two weather systems forecast to arrive on the north coast will bring two rounds of heavy precipitation. The first round, today, will stream in from the west bringing snow to the northern sections of the North Coast Inland region including Stewart. The second round, from Saturday afternoon until Monday morning, will arrive with a very strong southerly flow, strong winds, and rapidly rising freezing levels to 1,000 metres.”

Stewart which recently received heavy snowfalls will receive another generous accumulation. This will melt as the rain system arrives and drainage systems could be blocked or overwhelmed. Localized or perhaps widespread flooding could result.

Rapidly accumulating snow could also make travel difficult over some locations.



About the Author: Binny Paul

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