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'Snowsqualls' could bring up to 20 cm to parts of Vancouver Island

Environment Canada predicting a pair of dumps over many of the region's most populated areas Monday and Tuesday

Dawn arrived with a white topping for much of Vancouver Island Monday and things are expected to get worse before they get better in what is shaping up the be the region's first significant winter snowfall.

Much of the Island is under warning for snow that could accumulate 10 to 20 cm with snowsqualls producing locally heavy snow Monday and Tuesday, said Environment Canada.

Two rounds of heavy snow are expected for East Vancouver Island, Southern Gulf Islands, Malahat Highway and Greater Victoria.

The first is expected Monday morning through the afternoon as northwest winds and southeast winds collide over the Strait of Georgia. The bands of snow could move onshore onto the east side of Vancouver Island from near Comox to Mill Bay. While the snow will become light in Nanaimo, Duncan and the Saanich Peninsula this afternoon, snowsqualls will continue to fall between Qualicum Beach and Fanny Bay through the day.

The second round of heavy snow is expected to start overnight Monday. This second scenario will concentrate the heavy snow between Nanaimo and Victoria, as well as parts of the Southern Gulf Islands. Snowfall accumulation will be highly variable.

Motorists are advised to prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Drive BC warns of slippery sections and wintry conditions on the Malahat Drive portion of the Trans-Canada Highway. A chain check is in effect, with commercial trucks requiring chains.

Schools were open in most districts, with the notable exception of the Pacific Rim School District which closed schools in Port Alberni, Bamfield and the West Coast for Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 after a weekend of snowfall and dropping temperatures.

"Schools in the Alberni Valley, Bamfield and on the West Coast are closed to students and staff today due to icy road conditions," reads the note on the SD70 website.

Buses will not be running in the Alberni Valley.

The message from the Qualicum School District for Monday Feb. 3: "Good morning: All schools are open in the Qualicum School District and all buses are running - those taking school bus transportation can expect alternate bus pickups to be in effect. Thank you."

Light snow is expected in Nanaimo this afternoon, turning to heavy snow overnight Tuesday and lasting to Tuesday night.

"Snowfall accumulation will be highly variable depending on the length of time a heavy band of snow remains over an area," Environment Canada noted. "There is also uncertainty as to the strength of the outflow winds which will have an effect on the total snowfall accumulation for the second round of snow."

The City of Nanaimo has cancelled waste collection due to unsafe driving conditions.

Schools are open in Greater Victoria Monday, Feb. 3, but with snowfall warnings in place that comes with a caveat.

Both the Greater Victoria and Saanich school boards announced early that schools remain open with buses running. Both districts reminded families to use extra caution when walking or driving to school, advising them to take extra time and dress warmly.

All Sooke School District routes except for the 60 are expected to run. "Changing road conditions can affect our bus schedules. Please ensure you are prepared for the weather and potential delays as traffic begins to pick up this morning," SD62 wrote in a community update.

BC Transit Victoria notes winter weather could mean detours, service delays and cancellations. For the most up-to-date info visit alerts.bctransit.com.

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