A low pressure system started spreading heavy snow across the B.C. south coast on Wednesday evening.

According to Environment Canada, snow will begin to transition to rain across Metro Vancouver as the system brings in milder air and temperatures begin to rise Thursday morning.

For the Abbotsford and Chilliwack area, the transition will likely be from snow to freezing rain sometime late in the morning as cold air will continue to linger in the Fraser Valley leading to a prolonged freezing rain event lasting into the evening.

For Howe Sound and the Hope area, conditions will remain cold enough such that snow will continue all day Thursday and continue overnight.

Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will become icy, slippery and hazardous.

Snowfall amounts: 10 to 20 cm over Metro Vancouver, Abbotsford, Chilliwack and possibly up to 30 cm over Howe Sound and Hope.

Rainfall amounts: 30 to 50 mm for Metro Vancouver, possibly more over the Northshore mountains beginning Thursday afternoon into the night. Heavy rainfall on top of melting snow may create slippery road conditions and water pooling.

Other hazards: Prolonged freezing rain is expected in the Fraser Valley throughout the day on Thursday with a risk possible over Metro Vancouver in the morning. Freezing rain will make roads icy and slippery leading to hazardous travel conditions.

Gusty outflow winds accompanied by heavy snowfall may lead to blowing snow causing reduced visibilities in the Fraser Valley.