Pacific storm brings wind warnings and mountain snow across southern B.C.

A Pacific storm system moved into southwestern British Columbia on Wednesday, bringing wind warnings for coastal communities and fresh snowfall forecasts for higher elevations across the province.

Environment Canada said in a special weather statement that there is a slight chance of brief sea-level snowfall in parts of Metro Vancouver as the system moves through. Any low-elevation snow is expected to be short-lived.

Flurries earlier in the week did not accumulate at Vancouver International Airport, keeping Vancouver on track for what could become its first officially snow-free winter in more than four decades, according to the federal weather agency.

Forecasters say the storm will bring heavier snowfall to mountainous areas. Inland sections of Vancouver Island could see up to 10 centimetres, while higher elevations near Whistler and stretches of the Sea to Sky Highway may receive up to 20 centimetres.

Strong winds are also expected along the coast. Wind warnings indicate gusts of up to 90 km/h for Greater Victoria and up to 100 km/h near Hope.

Inland, winter storm warnings remain in effect for several major travel routes, including the Coquihalla Highway, the Okanagan Connector, and Highway 3 between Grand Forks and Creston as well as from Hope to Princeton.

Up to 25 centimetres of snow is forecast along Trans-Canada Highway between Sicamous and Golden. Environment Canada warns travel conditions may become difficult with reduced visibility and snow accumulation on roadways.