Classes cancelled again in southwest B.C. due to more snow and freezing rain

As more snow and freezing rain are forecast for southwestern British Columbia, schools in the Lower Mainland have been closed for a second straight day.

Environment Canada said 10 to 20 centimetres of snow are expected on parts of Vancouver Island between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.

While weather warnings have been lifted for most of Metro Vancouver, Environment Canada is warning that freezing rain is expected in the Fraser Valley starting Thursday afternoon.

All school districts in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley cancelled classes early Thursday. The Greater Victoria School District said its schools will reopen. Families in other parts of the province are advised to check with their school or district.

The University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, BCIT and Capilano University all announced that in-person classes would be cancelled for a second consecutive day Thursday.

The storm follows Wednesday’s, which dumped more than 30 centimetres of snow on many parts of the Lower Mainland, disrupting travel for many people.

Vancouver International Airport says flight schedules may continue to be affected Thursday.

Meanwhile, extreme cold warnings remain in effect across the Prairies, with wind chill values ​​around –40°C expected in parts of northern Alberta, southern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba.