Residents in Terrace and Kitimat should be prepared for rapidly changing winter weather conditions as localized heavy flurries are expected to hit the area until Friday afternoon.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the North Coast area, including the coastal sections, as well as the Bulkley Valley area and parts of Highway 16 and Highway 37. The weather is caused by a low-pressure system area over the Gulf of Alaska that is carrying a cold and unstable air mass to Northern B.C.
Environment Canada states that bands of convective flurries are expected to develop over the North Coast and Bulkley Valley regions today and tonight, continuing into Friday. Although the amount of snowfall is highly variable depending on the location where the flurries develop, some areas are likely to experience brief but intense flurries.
During heavier flurries, visibility may suddenly drop significantly, creating hazardous driving conditions. The amount of accumulation is highly variable, with some areas seeing little accumulation while other areas may see more concentrated accumulation if the flurries are stationary over one area for an extended period.
For drivers travelling between Terrace, Kitimat, and surrounding communities, particularly on Highway 16 and Highway 37, the conditions can change quickly with little warning. Environment Canada advises drivers to allow extra time for travel and to prepare for deteriorating road conditions.
The weather alert remains in effect until Friday afternoon.
People are advised to continue to monitor the forecasts and alerts from Environment Canada.
