WATCH: A snowstorm has left people on the mid island shoveling their way home tonight after a day of slipping and sliding on area roads and highways. Port Alberni was expected to get the most snow, but the east side of the island from Qualicum Beach to Campbell River was the hardest hit with upwards of 10 centimetres or more. Dean Stoltz reports.
Snow continued to fall on inland and east Vancouver Island on Tuesday afternoon.
A snowfall warning is in effect for inland Vancouver Island and east Vancouver Island, from Courtenay to Campbell River and Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay. Environment Canada said approximately five centimetres of snow has already fallen over east Vancouver Island and a further 5 cm is expected this evening.
Ten to 20 centimetres of snow is possible on inland Vancouver Island by Wednesday morning. There is a risk of freezing rain for Tuesday evening.
Snow on a Comox street as on the morning of Jan. 8, 2019.
A cool air mass currently over the region meant that precipitation began as snow this morning. Gradual warming will cause the snow to become mixed with rain or change to rain Tuesday night, Environment Canada said.
Kody plays in the Comox snow on Jan. 8, 2019.
#Cowichan Highway 18 is now snow covered @CHEK_News as first snow storm of 2019 hits @DriveBC_VI pic.twitter.com/w1otA3Rqya
— Skye Ryan (@SkyeRyanCHEK) January 8, 2019
First snowflakes of 2019 are now flying in #Nanaimo @CHEK_News @environmentca has issued snowfall warning. 5-10 cm expected here pic.twitter.com/lT0hDLxUgz
— Skye Ryan (@SkyeRyanCHEK) January 8, 2019
A wind warning was issued for north Vancouver Island on Tuesday afternoon. Environment Canada said southeast winds up to 90 km/h over exposed coastal sections are expected Tuesday evening as the low-pressure system offshore tracks northwards. Winds will ease to 70 km/h after midnight.
WATCH: The first snowstorm of 2019 delivered slick conditions to many east Vancouver Island roads. Skye Ryan reports.
Mainroad has issued advisories for the south island and mid-island. On the south island, Mainroad said snow accumulations are anticipated to be two to four centimetres. In anticipation, Mainroad will be performing snow removal operations on all highways until snow passes and the roads are clear.
@MainroadMIsland is out in force as snow and freezing temps blanket #VancouverIsland highways @CHEK_News pic.twitter.com/qdpIlUCksw
— Skye Ryan (@SkyeRyanCHEK) January 8, 2019
On the mid-island. Mainroad said snow is expected particularly in the Parksville-Cook Creek area and the hump on Highway 4 in the Port Alberni area, although all areas may be affected. Mainroad crews are patrolling and applying anti-icing chemical where required.
Be advised the Mid #VancouverIsland service area may see snow in areas in next 18-24hrs. @MainroadMIsland crews will monitor all #BCHwy & apply anti-icing where necessary. Pls leave extra trip time & drive for the conditions. Check @DriveBC_VI @DriveBC before leaving. #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/a585PUkloS
— Mainroad Mid Island Contracting LP (@MainroadMIsland) January 8, 2019
Snow fell through Tuesday in Courtenay, Comox, Nanaimo, Parksville, on the Sutton Pass, Qualicum Beach and Lake Cowichan, among other areas.
Snowing heavy in #Nanaimo@NEWS1130Weather @KGordonGlobalBC @CTVNewsVI @YvonneSchalle @KasiaBodurka @CHEK_News@GlobalBC #BCStorm #snow pic.twitter.com/sFZtlAbHW4
— Brent (Weatherman) (@Weatherman2709) January 8, 2019
Looking pretty on the hump #bchwy4 #alberni Snow is not sticking to the road yet @CHEK_News pic.twitter.com/IekHRJ1qHl
— Kendall Hanson (@Kendall_Hanson) January 8, 2019
Snow coming down heavy and collecting on #bchwy19 north of Cook Creek exit @CHEK_News pic.twitter.com/Gji1PZaWkF
— Kendall Hanson (@Kendall_Hanson) January 8, 2019
Snow falls in Comox on Jan. 8, 2019. (Nata Kel-Agius).
The Sutton Pass at 10:08 a.m. on Jan. 8, 2019. (DriveBC).
Drivers are advised to leave extra time to get to their destinations and expect winter driving conditions, such as slippery sections and slushy areas. North Island College said evening classes, starting at 6 pm or later, are cancelled at the Campbell River and Comox Valley campuses due to inclement weather. The Mount Waddington and Port Alberni campuses are open but ITV courses delivered from Campbell River and Comox Valley have been cancelled.
It’s not much but Kody sure likes it. #BCStorm #Comox @CHEK_News pic.twitter.com/PMe2EVLaVI
— Dean Stoltz (@deanstoltzchek) January 8, 2019
Here are some more photos from CHEK News’ viewers
Missy, a nine-week-old dog, enjoys her first snowfall in Comox. (Natasha Agius).
Heavy snow falls in Sayward on the afternoon of Jan. 8, 2019. (Joyce Ellis).
Snow falls in Courtenay on Jan. 8, 2019. (Kathy Pistell).
Madden, Mason, Evan, Kalem and Carter enjoy the snow after school in Nanaimo. (Jill Poles).
A semi-truck flipped over on the side of the road near the Campbell River Airport. (Dan Hein).
CHEK News
