British Columbians in the province’s southern coast should brace themselves for heavy rain and strong winds in the coming days, Environment Canada warns. The agency issued special weather statements on Dec. 9, warning Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler, Greater Victoria, and the Southern Gulf Islands, ahead of storms that will hit on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11. Heavy rainfall of between 40 and 60 millimetres is expected in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, and Whistler, accompanied by snowfall of 15 to 25 centimetres, including in surrounding highway routes. “A moist Pacific frontal system will arrive over the BC south coast Friday morning,” Environment Canada said in the statement. “Freezing levels will range between 500 and 1000 metres with this system. Whistler and the high elevation mountain passes, particularly Highways 3, 5, and the Sea to Sky, can expect heavy snow.” The national weather agency said …