Environment Canada has issued a winter storm and snowfall warning in the East Kootenay alongside a special weather statement for the Columbia Valley.
The forecaster said the winter storm warning comes as the Elk Valley is expected to get hit hard by heavy snowfall from Tuesday night to Wednesday.
Environment Canada officials expect anywhere from 15 to 25 centimetres of snow to blanket the region, with the Fernie area bearing the brunt of the storm.
“Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow,” said Environment Canada.
Meanwhile, the southern part of the region is under a snowfall warning, with 15 to 20 centimetres to fall on the Cranbrook and South Country area.
The Columbia Valley will fare a little better, as a special weather statement is in place for prolonged snowfall.
The Columbia Valley will have up to 15 centimetres of snow by Wednesday night.
The weather system follows extremely cold weather that swept through the region from Friday to Monday.
“A cold front will combine with a Pacific low-pressure system and bring snow, heavy at times into southern B.C.,” said Environment Canada officials. “Snow will start tonight [Tuesday] and become heavy overnight.”
Environment Canada officials expect the snow to ease off by Wednesday night, followed by a warming trend into the weekend.