WATCH: A blast of winter weather caused major delays on the Malahat this morning. Ceilidh Millar reports.
An unexpected snowfall on the Malahat caused major traffic delays during the rush hour commute Friday morning.
The snow left behind a trail of slick roads and highways that took many drivers by surprise.
Vehicles on Highway 1 were at a virtual standstill around 10:00 a.m., with drivers reporting delays of up to a half-hour.
There were also reports on social media of an accident on the Shawnigan Lake turnoff and cars in ditches.
Nice view from the #Malahat this morn….. Yikes. Stay away if ya can….. @wsfishcharters pic.twitter.com/QnPXlfnFBm
— Noggie (@noggie63) March 2, 2018
Numerous cars in ditch on Shawnigan Lake Road near South Shawnigan Station. Slow down. #yyjtraffic #malahat
— EK (@Eddiek1914) March 2, 2018
Traffic is not moving on the #malahat . Accident at South Shawnigan. Snow causing havoc. pic.twitter.com/szNODqh8jv
— Jamie Tudway-cains (@tudway70) March 2, 2018
Not much movement on the Malahat in the past 30 mins #yyjtraffic pic.twitter.com/TIbu7yr4Dl
— Brandon Wright (@CoastalBrandon) March 2, 2018
Drive B.C. also reported Highway 4 had compact snow and slushy and slippery sections.
“This is awful and just dreadful,” said one motorist. “This is why I don’t like driving the Malahat.”
“You never know when the situation is going to improve on this highway,” explained another.
While conditions improved later Friday, the snow is a reminder that winter isn’t over yet.
Currently sleet falling in #portalberni Icky. #bcsnow
— Alberni Weather (@alberniweather) March 2, 2018
Ceilidh Millar
