Weatherhood B.C.

SYDNEY (AP) — Organizers said Friday that two Sydney to Hobart sailors have died at sea amid wild weather conditions that forced line honors favorite Master Lock Comanche to withdraw among mass retirements.

A storm is expected to bring very strong winds and heavy rain to Vancouver Island and B.C.'s south coast on Christmas morning.

Backcountry skiers are urged to check the Avalanche Canada forecasts before heading out.

A powerful storm is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the region on the holiday.

VANCOUVER — Environment Canada says the first of a series of Christmas week storms forecast for British Columbia's coast is moving inland, after bringing 140 km/h winds to some exposed coastal areas.

MONTREAL — A heavy snowfall that began Monday night has guaranteed much of Quebec a white Christmas, but has also sent cars skidding off the province's roads during the busy holiday travel period.

SANTA CRUZ, Calif.

An avalanche occurred Monday afternoon, prompting emergency crews to head to the area.

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii (AP) — Lava began bubbling Monday through the crust of one of the world's most active volcanoes — Kilauea , on Hawaii's Big Island.

WHITEHORSE — Environment Canada has issued a blizzard warning for Dempster Highway near the Richardson Mountains in Yukon.