Mike Farnworth

British Columbia residents are being urged to prepare for extremely cold temperatures, power outages and slick streets as a series of winter storm and freezing rain warnings covered most of the province.

The B.C. government released a statement saying strong storms would clash with cold Arctic air throughout the province between Tuesday and New Year's Day.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says it's important to carefully watch the forecast and look out for those who are most vulnerable, while Transportation Minister Rob Fleming discouraged travel that isn't necessary.

The province says planning ahead and driving according to road conditions is especially important as travel restrictions remain in place along sections of numerous highways damaged by severe flooding and landslides last month.

Warnings from Environment Canada cover much of the province, including the risk of freezing rain in Metro Vancouver and inland parts of Vancouver Island.

The weather office says high elevation sections of numerous highways could also see significant snowfall between Tuesday and Thursday.