A strong storm is expected to hit B.C. starting Thursday afternoon, bringing heavy rain to the coast and snow inland.

The storm will continue late into Friday, according to Environment Canada, which issued weather warnings for several areas of the province.

The Central Coast and west and north of Vancouver Island could see as much as 150 millimetres of rain as the storm rolls in, while Metro Vancouver and the Howe Sound area are expected to get up to 90 millimetres. Strong winds are also expected.

The heavy rain could cause localized flooding, while higher elevations in those areas could experience some wet snowfall.

Snowfall warnings have been issued for inland parts of the central and north coasts, as well as parts of the central and northern Interior, which could get up to 25 centimetres of snow.