A significant winter storm bringing a mix of wintery conditions is expected this weekend in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, warns Environment Canada.

There is a potential for 2 to 10 cm of snowfall accumulations beginning Saturday, with higher amounts near Hope, and rainfall amounts of 10 to 40 mm on Sunday.

There will be the risk of freezing rain overnight Saturday and Sunday morning. Strong winds are expected on Sunday near the Strait of Georgia.

The winter storm will reach the south coast on Saturday. Snow is expected to begin Saturday afternoon or evening. Overnight, temperatures will begin to rise as warm air advances from the Pacific.

On Sunday morning, the snow will change to rain for Metro Vancouver. The western sections of the Fraser Valley will gradually see a transition to rain Sunday, while eastern sections closer to Hope will continue to see significant snowfall through Sunday.

The exact precipitation amounts and timing of the changeover to rain still remains uncertain at this point.

Additionally, there is a risk of freezing rain as warm air overrides the cold air lurking near the surface overnight Saturday into Sunday.

Strong winds of 40 km/h gusting to 70 km/h will also develop early Sunday, possibly gusting up to 90 km/h near the Strait of Georgia.

Road conditions may quickly deteriorate as snow transitions to rain. Freezing rain may also make surfaces icy and slippery. Snowmelt from the anticipated warming and additional rainfall may cause water pooling on roads and local flooding.

Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions and take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas.