Snowfall warning for Metro Vancouver, with up to 10 cm expected in some areas

Snow is on the way for several regions in British Columbia, includingMetro Vancouver, onMonday.

Wet snow began falling at higher elevations on Burnaby Mountain and Westwood Plateau in Coquitlam by Monday evening with snow accumulating on the ground.

Roads are slippery and drivers are being told to be cautious and allow more space for the car in front.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the central Interior, including the Cariboo, Prince George and Stewart-Nechako regions, as well as inland sections of the North Coast and parts of Metro Vancouver.

Residents in higher elevations of the North Shore, Coquitlam and Maple Ridgecould see a significant dump late this evening as a frontal system is expected to arrive over the south coast, bringing up to 10 centimetres of snow.

"[There] may be some mixed rain-snow right down at sea level," Environment Canada meteorologist Jim Goosen said. "Precipitation is set to start near noon and last for up to 12 hours."

He said the greatest chance of snow will be on Monday night.

Goosen said the last time Vancouver saw snow this earlywas in 1984 on Halloween night.

The snow is not expected to stick around as temperatures will go back up to a high of 6 C by Tuesday with rain forecastto return for Thursday and Friday.

The City of Coquiltamhas been preparing for the snowfall since late last week when the system was forecast.

Brad Lofgren with the City of Coquitlam'spublic works department said the area has already seen flurries off and on Monday but more could arrivegoing into the evening.

"Over the weekend, we had crews prepare eight trucks with plows and sanders, and they've been out on all of our higher elevation areas, namely thetop of Westwood Plateau and areas such as that, pre-salting in anticipation of the snow, which is forecast to start late this afternoon and through the night tonight."

Lofgrensaidthe snow is expected to melt away by late morning Tuesday as temperatures rise.

Metro Vancouver announced late Monday afternoonthe closure of the Grouse Grind effective Tuesday in anticipation of snow and lower temperatures.

People are being warned to respect the closure for their personal safety and for the safety of first responders and park staff.