Vancouver Island’s winter weather continues as more warnings have been issued on Friday by Environment Canada that will last into the weekend.
According to the weather agency, snow is expected to hit East Vancouver Island and the inland regions, beginning late Friday evening. Environment Canada is anticipating upwards of 15 cm to fall in the areas surrounding Courtenay, Campbell River, Duncan, Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, Fanny Bay, Port Alberni, and the Cowichan Valley.
The warning on Environment Canada’s website indicates the incoming snow is part of another Pacific storm bound for the Island skies.
“As warmer air associated with the storm penetrates the region overnight, snow will begin to transition to rain over areas adjacent to the Strait of Georgia. Inland communities will receive the heaviest amounts as snow continues through Saturday morning,” the weather warning states.
Along with the snow, the Pacific storm will bring more high winds to the Island as well.
Environment Canada has put a wind warning in effect for other parts of Vancouver Island including West Vancouver Island and the northern regions.
In Greater Victoria, although there is no warning in place, Environment Canada said wind speeds will hit between 50-70 km/h late on January 17th.
The agency said elsewhere it is anticipated to get a little bit more extreme. In areas along the west side of the Island including Tofino and Ucluelet, Environment Canada anticipates that wind will reach 80 km/h and in the northern regions, wind is expected to clock at 110 km/h.
The warning said gusts will carry on through early Saturday and diminish by the afternoon.
Over the course of the bad weather BC Hydro has tweeted out information about how to be prepared in the event of power outages.
Here’s some important information to remember in the event of a power outage. #BCStorm #BCSnow
? Report outages: 1 800 224 9376
? Report fallen power lines: 911
? Outage updates: https://t.co/JY7BGL1bO4 pic.twitter.com/DdulvZqKyU— BC Hydro (@bchydro) January 15, 2020
If you lose power during the snow or wind, you can check for updates on the BC Hydro website.
Although the snow and wind is expected to hit later this afternoon, some school districts remain closed due to the snow that is currently on the ground.
Mainroad Mid Island says work continues to repair a road slide on Highway 4 just west of Doyle Creek Bridge and will limit traffic to single-lane alternating 24 hours a day while work is being done.
Work will be done from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Feb. 28.
Mainroad has been working at the site since Nov. 25.
CHEK News
