The first widespread snowfall of winter hit Metro Vancouver on Sunday, with up to 20 centimetres spread across the region. Environment Canada has issued snowfall warnings about “intense flurries” that should accumulate and make driving challenging.

While snow days don’t happen often in Metro Vancouver, it’s still a challenge for parents who need to make last-minute child care arrangements — but a pleasant surprise for kids hoping to fit in a day of snow fun.

Environment Canada also says B.C.’s South Coast may see a wintry mix of weather conditions over the next several days

Metro Vancouver is set to experience its first significant snowfall of the season, as Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning.

A blanket has fallen across Vancouver, but its thickness varies Environment Canada Philippe-Alain Bergeron meteorologist tells V.I.A. So far only 3 cm has fallen at Vancouver's airport, but there's been an unofficial measurement of 9 cm downtown, and 15 cm measured in West Vancouver.

Environment Canada is warning of snow and wintry weather for B.C.'s South Coast starting Saturday night, in what will be the region's first widespread snowfall of the season.

The first snowy blast of winter in Metro Vancouver is expected to continue with up to 25 centimetres of snow predicted in some areas before it's done today.

A winter storm could wallop the Lower Mainland with up to 30 cm of snowfall this weekend. Environment Canada Meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau told V.I.A. that Saturday, Feb. 1 will be cool with isolated snow showers that could get heavy with minor accumulations but no significant snowfall is expected.

Residents of Metro Vancouver woke up to the first significant snow dump of the winter season on Sunday, as forecasters warn of further snow to come overnight.