Heavy snow, rain and wind warnings in place along coastal, inland B.C.

Environment Canada is warning of a series of winter storms that are expected to bring heavy snow along coastal British Columbia and some inland regions starting early Monday morning.

"We're looking at some significant snow as we go over the next couple of days, especially for the mountain passes, we're expecting quite a large accumulation," said David Wray, a meteorologist with Environment Canada in an interview Sunday.

The B.C. government is also urging Lower Mainland drivers to be cautious Monday as winter conditions take hold.

Snowfall warnings are in place for the Howe Sound and the eastern Fraser Valley including Hope, which could see up to 15 centimetres of snow, according to Environment Canada.

The agency also issued a snowfall warning for Whistler, which could see up to 20 centimetres before Tuesday as a blast of arctic air moves in.

There are an additional 18 separate special weather statements in place warning of snow, rain and strong winds across much of Vancouver Island, Metro Vancouver and the central coast, with more warnings and watches likely on the way, said Wray.

On the southern coast, Environment Canada expects a "wintry mix" of rain and snow to start around 4 a.m. in Metro Vancouver and bring up to 4 centimetres of snow, said Wray.

"We're not expecting significant amounts [of snow] for Metro Vancouver, but if you get closer to, say, the eastern Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, Hope, or up in the North Shore and Sea-to -Sky corridor, we could get significantly more," he said.

Temperatures are expected to rise Monday afternoon through Wednesday, before dropping close to –8 C in Metro Vancouver and as low as –12 in the Fraser Valley by Thursday, said Wray.

"And of course the biggest thing with the Arctic air coming in, it's not just the temperatures, but quite often we'll get a cold east or northeasterly wind which will really bring you down the wind chill values," Wray said, potentially as low as –16 C.

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Very strong winds will hit the west side of Vancouver Island by Monday night and continue Tuesday, reaching the inner south coast by Tuesday evening, according to Environment Canada.

Transport ministry urges caution

B.C.'s transport and infrastructure ministry is warning drivers in the Lower Mainland to go slow on Monday.

"Drivers are reminded to use caution, avoid travel in poor weather conditions, prepare for delays and longer commutes, and ensure their vehicles are properly equipped with winter tires," the ministry said in a Sunday evening news release.

The eastbound HOV lane of the Port Mann Bridge connecting Surrey and Coquitlam will be closed from midnight to 2 p.m. on Monday, the ministry said, and more lanes may also be closed on that bridge and the Alex Fraser Bridge if conditions change.

The ministry advised drivers to check DriveBC for updated road closures and conditions.