Snow, rain warnings for parts of Vancouver Island

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for parts of East Vancouver Island Tuesday, while heavy rain is expected in other areas.

The weather agency, in an alert around 12:30 p.m., says the East Island from Courtenay to Campbell River could see about five centimetres of snow through Tuesday evening due to a “wintry mix” of precipitation.

“Snow levels are hovering near sea level. Snow has begun over Campbell River and Comox, and will continue for the remainder of the afternoon,” it says, adding that accumulations are expected to vary with elevation and proximity to water.

The snow should change to rain early Tuesday evening for coastal areas, while places more inland and at higher elevations will see the transition later at night.

Road maintenance company Mainroad, in an emailed release, says its crews will be patrolling all service area highways and applying winter materials where appropriate until the event passes and roadways are clear and back to normal.

Snow fell on the North Island earlier this week.

Meanwhile, rain, at times heavy, is expected on the East Island from Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay overnight Tuesday to late Wednesday afternoon.

About 50 millimetres of rain is forecast, prompting Environment Canada to issue a rainfall warning around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday.

“Heavy rain will develop by Wednesday morning, mainly over areas near Bowser. The heavy rain will continue through the day, then ease to a few showers Wednesday evening,” according to the agency in the warning.

It’s asking drivers to adjust their driving with changing road conditions, adding that localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

“If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance,” it said.

The agency encourages people to continue monitoring alerts and forecasts issued, and says people can report severe weather by emailing BCstorm@ec.gc.ca.

People can also tweet using #BCStorm.

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