More than three dozen flights have been cancelled out of Vancouver International Airport (YVR) as British Columbia braces for a storm on Tuesday.
Environment Canada is calling for a powerful storm packing frigid wind and heavy snow in some areas.
“We've got snow, we've got wind, we've got snow changing to rain. So certainly a lot of different things coming together,” says meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau.
Snow on B.C. highways will range from 10 centimetres on the Island to as much as 40 centimetres between Whistler and Squamish.
“This storm does look like it will have some strong winds associated and so through the Strait of Georgia and then later on coming into the Metro Vancouver area as well,” says Charbonneau. “Some places we have winter storm warnings in effect; for example, east side of Vancouver Island, where it's a combination of snow and wind at the same time.”
More than 30 flights out of YVR were cancelled on Tuesday morning.
Vancouver International Airport is preparing for winter weather conditions, according to a spokesperson.
"Our weather models are expecting accumulation as early as late this morning, with more significant snowfall amounts this afternoon and into the evening,” says Megan Sutton.
Travellers are being reminded to check the status of their flights on the specific airline’s website or the flight information on YVR’s website before arriving at the airport.
"We appreciate the patience of all passengers as our crews will work to get aircraft on their way as quickly and safely as possible during today’s weather conditions,” says Sutton.
She added the airport is "fully mobilizing our snow response equipment to respond to today’s weather.”
Temperatures at YVR are expected to remain below freezing during the day and overnight. Sutton says they’re expecting 15 to 18 centimetres of snow on Tuesday afternoon and into the evening. The snow will turn to rain on Wednesday.
"Maintaining a safe and secure airfield for aircraft and passengers is the focus of everything we do at YVR,” says Sutton.
As of Tuesday morning, a small handful of departing flights out of Victoria International Airport and Kelowna International Airport were also cancelled.
BC Ferries cancellations
The province's ferry service also announced its own cancellations Tuesday due to "adverse weather conditions."
Among the cancelled routes are Spirit of British Columbia, Spirit of Vancouver Island, Coastal Renaissance, Coastal Inspiration and the Salish Eagle sailings.
Find the latest information on the BC Ferries website.
With files from the Canadian Press
