Get ready for a blast of Canadian winter: A snowfall warning is in effect for B.C.’s South Coast including most of Vancouver Island.
An intense Pacific storm was expected to hit the area Thursday night and continue into Friday, bringing 10 to 20 centimetres of snow to Greater Victoria and east, west and inland Vancouver Island.
The North Island remains under a special weather statement.
Cold Arctic air entrenched over the region is causing the significant snowfall , according to Environment Canada.
A mix of rain and snow will likely continue into Friday over low-lying coastal communities, and flurries are possible for Sunday.
CTV Meteorologist Astrid Braunschmidt said the storm system has already spread a wintry mix of precipitation through northeast Oregon and southwestern Washington State.
"A few flakes could fall as early as 7 to 8 p.m., with the dusting blanketing areas like Sooke and the West Shore by about 10 p.m. or so," she said. "Most of the Capital Region will have snowfall by midnight."
Shovel or pay up
Cities up and down Vancouver Island are reminding residents and storefronts to keep their sidewalks shoveled to comply with local bylaws.
Anyone who doesn’t shovel snow could be slapped with fines of up to $125 per day.
Meanwhile, Public Works crews are brining roads to prepare for the upcoming snow.
Local law enforcement agencies have also urged drivers to use extreme caution when travelling on icy roads.
School or snow day?
For the first time in recent memory, local school districts will have to decide whether to close for the day or remain open, depending on the weather.
According to school administrators – it all comes down to road conditions and whether buses can get to children safely.
“I’ve been in my position for about four-and-a-half years and we haven’t had to do that since that period of time,” said Harold Cull of School District 62. “We’ve had some mornings where there’s been snow but luckily the roads have been passable.”
Cull said the district would likely have a decision for parents by 7 a.m. Friday morning.
“We’ll communicate through our websites and other social media, Twitter, Facebook as well,” said Cull.
Use caution on sidewalks
While cities have been brining roads and sidewalks, Island Health is warning pedestrians, especially seniors, to use caution.
The authority said it saw an increase in the number of fall-related injuries due to slips on the ice after Monday’s snowfall.
“Snowfall tonight, perhaps covering the ice, things aren’t going to get safer,” said Island Health’s Dr. Richard Stanwick. “People have to really follow the same precautions we’ve recommend in the last couple of days and that’s if you don’t have to go out – don’t.”
The health authority said about 20 cases were reported at emergency departments at Victoria General Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital.
