The most recent winter storm to hit Vancouver Island has not only brought high winds, but snowfall as well.
Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for East Vancouver Island as well as several inland regions. The organization is anticipating snow throughout Friday morning turning to rain later this afternoon.
According to an advisory issued on the weather agency’s website, they expect snowfall accumulations of 5 to 15 cm by mid morning in certain areas.
“Periods of snow will continue throughout the morning as convective bands behind the fronts will generate bursts of heavy snow but communities near the Strait of Georgia will see rain as the strong winds keep temperatures mild,” the advisory reads.
At this time, Drive BC webcams are showing heavy snow along Highway 19 north of Nanaimo as well as on Sutton Pass and the Alberni Highway.
Roberts LakeHwy 19, 31 km north of Campbell River, looking north.
Hwy 4 at Sutton Pass, between Ucluelet/Tofino and Port Alberni, looking southwest.
Hwy 4 about 9 km east of Port Alberni, looking west
Snow had been reported by DriveBC on the Malahat at around 7 am this morning, however that has since turned to rain.
The pacific winter storm has resulted in Environment Canada also issuing a high wind warning throughout Friday. Winds between 40-60km/h are expected across all parts of the Island with the northern regions seeing winds of up to 90 km/h by mid-morning.
The high winds have led to a number of cancellations this morning with BC Ferries including all of their major routes. Harbour Air has cancelled flights up until early afternoon and BC Hydro has reported multiple outages across Vancouver Island.
Along with the snow, Highway 19 was closed in both directions between Sayward Road and Rainbow Road due to a vehicle incident, according to Drive BC. Just after 12:30 p.m., the road reopened.
#BCHwy19 CLOSED due to a vehicle incident north of #CampbellRiverBC betweem Sayward Rd. and Rainbow Rd. No detour available. Crews are on scene, assessment in progress. #VanIsle pic.twitter.com/7gHMxPm2oM
— DriveBC VI (@DriveBC_VI) January 10, 2020
Environment Canada and DriveBC have both issued statements advising everyone to take extra caution driving in adverse weather.
CHEK News
