By Dominic Abassi

‘Intense storm’ expected to bring heavy snow late Thursday: Environment Canada

Dec 6, 2016 | 4:30 PM

NANAIMO — An “intense Pacific storm”, combined with the frigid conditions already here, will bring significant snowfall later this week, according to a special weather statement issued by Environment Canada.

The statement, issued Tuesday afternoon, says the storm will reach Vancouver Island and the south coast on Thursday afternoon. The combination of conditions will likely lead to significant snowfall through until Friday morning, according to the weather agency. Strong winds are also expected.

The snowfall is expected to change to rain at lower elevations by late Friday morning, with a mixture of snow and rain continuing through the weekend.

Environment Canada says the snow will likely stick around for several days, since temperatures are forecast to stay low.