Environment Canada has issued a heavy snow and cold weather warnings for parts of Vancouver Island to hit on Wednesday evening.
A special weather statement has been issued for East Vancouver Island including between Courtenay and Campbell River, Duncan and Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay and Fanny Bay.
Snow is expected to begin falling on Wednesday evening and last overnight into Thursday morning.
These areas are expected to see between 5 cm to 10 cm of snow as a storm system moves across the south coast of B.C. tonight.
With ample cold air in place, this system will result in widespread snow beginning this that will eventually taper off on Thursday morning.
Environment Canada says temperatures are expected to be lower than the seasonal average through to the end of December.
While the current forecast suggests widespread 5 to 10 cm of snow is likely, there is the potential for locally heavier amounts on the above parts of Vancouver Island as well.
Environment Canada says most regions will see close to 5 cm accumulate rapidly within 3 to 6 hours during the overnight hours when the snowfall will be most intense.
In all three regions, Environment Canada warns that colder temperatures can cause highways, roads, walkways and parking lots to become slippery and icy.
The agency warns that visibility may be impacted in the heavy snow and quickly accumulating snow may make travel difficult.
The agency also warns that there is an increased risk of hypothermia or frostbite, so anyone going outdoors should dress appropriately for the weather, and not leave pets outside in the cold.
Environment Canada advises anyone driving to ensure they have an emergency kit, including blankets and a first aid kit.
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