Islanders warned to brace for snow, strong winds on Monday

The second week of 2024 is getting off to a chilly start, with Environment Canada issuing advisories for snow and strong winds for Vancouver Island.

Snowfall warnings or special weather statements have been issued for East Vancouver Island, Greater Victoria, Inland Vancouver Island, North Vancouver Island, Southern Gulf Islands and West Vancouver Island.

Wind warnings or special weather statements have been issued for Courtenay to Campbell River, Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay, Greater Victoria, Inland Vancouver Island, North Vancouver Island, Southern Gulf Islands, and West Vancouver Island.

Greater Victoria, Malahat Highway, Inland Vancouver Island, North Vancouver Island, Southern Gulf Islands

Environment Canada is warning of the potential for snow at sea-level followed by heavy rain on Monday in addition to strong winds.

“Today, there will be the potential for snow to reach sea-level along the coastal sections of the south coast. Mild air moving into the region will help transition any snow to rain likely by later this afternoon,” Environment Canada says.

“Additionally, very strong winds will develop on the west side of Vancouver Island this evening. These winds will reach the inner south coast tonight and Tuesday.”

West Vancouver Island is expected to get the “most significant” amounts of rain.

East Vancouver Island

East Vancouver Island is expected to get between five to 10 centimetres of snow.

“The highest snowfall is expected to be over higher terrain and inland areas where precipitation will fall mainly as snow with up to 10 cm is possible by this afternoon,” Environment Canada says. “Closer to sea-level, a mix of rain and snow is more likely with snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 cm.”

Snow is expected to transition to rain in the evening.

Drivers are advised to adjust their driving behaviour with changing road conditions.

Courtenay to Campbell River, Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay

Strong winds of 70 km/h gusting to 90 are forecast Monday evening and overnight.

“By early this evening the strongest winds will be occurring, giving southeast winds of 70 gusting to 90 km/h,” Environment Canada says. “The frontal system is expected to pass through by midnight and winds will switch to strong southwesterly at that time.”

The weather agency warns damage to buildings is possible and loose objects could be thrown by the wind, causing injury or damage. Additionally, strong winds may result in fallen trees or branches and power outages.

West Vancouver Island

Very strong winds are forecast for West Vancouver Island with winds of 80 km/h gusting to 100 are expected Monday evening into Tuesday.

“Strong southwesterly winds of 60 gusting 80 km/h will develop late this evening,” Environment Canada says.

“Winds will shift to westerly and strengthen further overnight and early Tuesday morning to 80 gusting 100 km/h. Winds will become northwesterly Tuesday morning and continue very strong at 80 gusting 100 km/h throughout the rest of Tuesday before easing Tuesday evening.”

“High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches.”

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