Snowfall warning issued for Vancouver Island as 10 cm expected overnight

A large swath of Vancouver Island is in for heavy snowfall Friday night.
Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for eastern Vancouver Island, focused especially on the communities of Courtenay and Campbell River, B.C.
Up to 10 centimetres are forecast Friday night and into Saturday morning as a low-pressure system moves over the region.
"Precipitation will start as rain this afternoon then become mixed with snow at sea level this evening," the weather office said.
"Over higher elevations, rain will change to snow this evening as precipitation rates increase and snow levels lower."
The falling snow is expected to change back to rain on Saturday.
"Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations," Environment Canada warns.
"Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance."
Road maintenance contractor Mainroad issued its own alert Friday, saying work crews will be patrolling highways in the northern and eastern sections of the island this weekend to clear snow and ice until the storm passes.
WIND WARNING
Environment Canada has also issued a wind warning for the Greater Victoria area on Friday.
Wind gusts between 70 km/h and 90 km/h are expected in the region beginning late Friday afternoon.
The strong winds will persist overnight until easing early Saturday morning, according to the weather office.
Environment Canada is warning residents that tree branches and other debris may be tossed during the windstorm.
The weather office is also urging beachgoers to be cautious Saturday morning.
"In addition to the very strong winds, this event will also coincide with local high tides at 10 a.m. on Saturday," said Environment Canada in a statement.
"The combined force of the two could create a high water level situation along beaches affecting coastal walkways and debris washing further up the shoreline."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian police chiefs speak out on death of Black man beaten by U.S. officers
Canadian police chiefs condemned on Friday the death of a Black man who was savagely beaten by police during a traffic stop in the United States, saying the officers involved must be held accountable.

How to get over the 'mental hurdle' of being active in the winter
When the cold and snow have people hunkering down, these outdoor enthusiasts find motivation in braving the Canadian winter through community and sport.
Memphis police disband unit that beat Tyre Nichols
The Memphis police chief on Saturday disbanded the unit whose officers beat to death Tyre Nichols as the nation and the city struggled to come to grips with video showing police pummelling the Black motorist.
Listening to personal testimonies may deter students from vaping, study finds
According to a new study, showing university students the health risks of vaping through experts and personal testimonies can help deter them from using e-cigarettes.
Health Canada sticks with Evusheld despite U.S. FDA dropping the COVID drug
Health Canada says it will continue to recommend COVID-19 prevention drug, Evulsheld, despite U.S. FDA pulling back its emergency use authorization due to concerns around its efficacy against Omicron subvariant 'Kraken.'
Germany won't be a 'party to the war' amid tanks exports to Ukraine: Ambassador
The German ambassador to Canada says Germany will not become 'a party to the conflict' in Ukraine, despite it and several other countries announcing they'll answer President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's pleas for tanks, possibly increasing the risk of Russian escalation.
W5 EXCLUSIVE | Interviewing a narco hitman: my journey into Mexico's cartel heartland
W5 goes deep into the narco heartland to interview a commander with one of Mexico's most brutal cartels. W5's documentary 'Narco Avocados' airs Saturday at 7 pm on CTV.
OPINION | Selling a home? How to know if you qualify for a capital gains exemption
When selling a home, Canadians may be exempted from paying capital gains tax on a residential property -- if it's their principal residence. On CTVNews.ca, personal finance contributor Christopher Liew explains what's determined as a principal residence, and what properties are eligible for the exemption.
What we know -- and still don't know -- about what led to Tyre Nichols' death
Tyre Nichols was hospitalized after he was pulled over on January 7, police have said. Five Memphis Police Department officers, who also are Black, were fired after an internal investigation and are facing criminal charges, including second-degree murder.