British Columbia | Extreme cold in the south after heavy snow

(Vancouver) Extreme cold is settling in parts of British Columbia following heavy snowfall that has grounded planes, blocked roads and delayed ferries.

Environment Canada warns that extremely cold temperatures and high winds could bring temperatures between -20 C and -30 C to Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

The federal agency indicates that the cold mass caused by an Arctic front should persist until Thursday.

Vancouver Airport says winter weather caused an unprecedented number of flight cancellations on Tuesday, with only a minimal number of flights departing in the afternoon.

Motorists have been encouraged to avoid non-essential travel and BC Ferries has canceled ferries for many routes.

Much of western and central Canada has weather warnings in effect, most of it for British Columbia and Alberta, as well as parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Yukon.