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'Significant' winter storm set to hit Richmond this weekend

Snow, rain, strong winds and freezing rain are in the cards, according to Environment Canada
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Richmond received several inches of snow this week, and more is in the forecast, along with rain and wind, with a winter storm approaching.

A “significant” winter storm is set to hit Metro Vancouver, including Richmond, this weekend.

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm watch for the region with snow, rain and strong winds in the forecast, as well as a risk of freezing rain.

According to the weather agency, snow is expected to begin Saturday (New Year's Day) afternoon or evening, with potentially two to 10 cm of accumulation. Higher amounts will accumulate near Hope.

Temperatures will begin to rise Saturday night, however, as warm air moves in from the Pacific, which will cause the snow to change to rain for Metro Vancouver on Sunday morning.

While Environment Canada noted there is the potential for 10 to 40 mm of rain on Sunday, exactly how much rain will fall and when the snow will turn to rain “remains uncertain at this point.”

There’s also a risk of freezing rain as the warm air overrides the cold air overnight on Saturday and into Sunday.

“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,” said Environment Canada.

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

The weekend will also be windy, with strong winds of 40 km/h gusting to 70km/h developing early Sunday, and possibly gusting 90km/h near the Strait of Georgia.