STORM WATCH: Winter storm en route to the West

Saturday, November 30, 2013, 8:40 AM -

STORM WATCH:We continue to track this storm as it approaches. Tune in for TV updates throughout the weekend!

Winter storm warnings and watches covered most of Alberta and parts of British Columbia's higher elevations early Saturday morning, as the west braces for an incoming winter blast.

A low pressure system is expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds and frigid temperatures to the region.

"The system moves into BC's northern coast Saturday night with heavy snow spreading across northern B.C. into Sunday morning," says Dayna Vettese, a meteorologist at The Weather Network. "Snow will spread across northern Alberta Sunday afternoon before making its way into Saskatchewan Sunday night into Monday."

According to Vettese, places like Edmonton and Calgary are set to receive the snow late day Sunday.

"It looks like it will stay as mainly rain for Vancouver/Victoria through Sunday with a change from rain to snow possible for Vancouver Monday. This is not a guarantee for Vancouver, but as Arctic outflow spreads across the province this will be something to keep an eye on," Vettese says.

BLIZZARD-LIKE CONDITIONS

As the Arctic high descends over the region, winds will increase Sunday night and into Monday morning.

"Blizzard-like conditions are possible in Alberta and western Saskatchewan Monday with sustained winds at around 40-60 km/h, gusting to 80+ km/h in some places," warns Vettese.

While the snow is expected to taper in BC late Monday, it will continue across Alberta and Saskatchewan through Tuesday morning.

"In behind the system, Arctic outflow will spread across BC and coastal areas, including the south coast, will also feel the effects of these cold temperatures," Vettese adds.

That means any snow that has fallen will likely not melt in the near future. Daytime highs will even hover around the freezing mark for Vancouver next week.

"Frigid temperatures will spread across the Prairie provinces with daytime highs in the minus teens to minus 20s," says Vettese. 

SNOWFALL AMOUNTS

All amounts are preliminary as the storm system is still a few days out and model agreement on exact amounts are low.

• Williston region of B.C. south to Kootenay’s: 15-30 cm
• Whistler: 15-30 cm
• Southern Interior of B.C.: (elevation dependent) 10+ cm
• B.C. Peace region SE toward Edmonton and Red Deer: 15-25 cm
• Jasper region SE toward Calgary: 5-15 cm (models trending to possibly higher amounts for this region)
• Edmonton/Red Deer region ESE toward Saskatoon & Regina: 15-25 cm

According to Vettese, confidence is high that significant snow will affect Interior BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan next week, followed by Arctic outflow and frigid temperatures.

"Confidence is low as to exact snowfall amounts and what areas will receive the most snow," Vettese adds. "There is good confidence that a heavy swath of snow will occur across parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, but the exact location of the heaviest snow is still not clear."

Confidence is also high that central and southern Alberta and western Saskatchewan will experience blizzard-like conditions Monday through Tuesday.

Be sure to check back often for updates on this storm and tune into TV as we continue to track the storm's impact.

If you are affected by this storm and it's safe to do so, send us your storm photos and videos. You can upload them here.