Monday, February 11, 2019 ~ WEST SHORE & SOOKE
~ by West Shore Voice News
Another snowfall warning has been issued by Environment Canada. As of 11:14 am this morning, February 11 (and reaffirmed at 3:31 pm with a second update), the warning is for a long period of snowfall with total expected amounts of 15 to 25 cm.
Snowfall already began again around noon today in the west shore, following a pause after last night’s snow through the morning.
“A second low pressure centre in as many days will give more snow to the South Coast beginning this afternoon and continuing into Tuesday,” posted Environment Canada.
“This second disturbance will spread snow to virtually the entire South Coast with heaviest amounts falling tonight. Total snowfall amounts will vary across the region with 15 to 25 cm falling in most areas and the highest amounts likely on Vancouver Island and on the Vancouver North Shore.”
Drivers are asked to prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.
Alerts and forecasts are continually issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.
Since snowfall began on Friday February 8 — followed by a windstorm on Saturday night into Sunday, with more snow (5 to 15 cm) in the Environment Canada forecast for today and into this evening February 11 — the impact of winter has been forefront for most people, especially when it comes to transportation. Another 15 to 25 cm is expected to fall heavily overnight Monday and into Tuesday February 12.
HIGHWAY DRIVING: Please be advised that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is enforcing mandatory chain up for commercial vehicles with inspections in place northbound on the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1) at West Shore Parkway and southbound on the TCH at the Bamberton Hill. Commercial vehicles without chains will be turned around.
ALL ROADWAY DRIVING: All drivers be advised that winter driving conditions exist. Use caution. Leave lots of room between vehicles. Stay home if you do not have to travel. Conditions are expected to worsen as the day progresses.
URBAN PARKING: In urban areas park vehicles in your driveways or garages to allow plows to maneuver better on local roads.
- Full west shore impact from snow on February 11: communities, services, roads and transit
- SD62 schools closed on February 11 due to snow
- Sunday night February 10: Malahat was closed for a while
- Power outages from windstorm February 8 & 9 in Greater Victoria & west shore
- Sooke residents reminded to clear snow from sidewalks in front of their properties
- Snowstorm on February 8 did not create a snowday for SD62 schools
- Previous Power Outage Updates: Day 8 aftermath | Day 7: Power outages continue on Boxing Day | Day 6: Power Outages continue on Christmas Day | Day 5: Power outages continue on Christmas Eve | Day 4: Power outages hit hardest on Vancouver Island
- West of Sooke: Juan de Fuca Emergency Program team busy with power outage aftermath
- Storm aftermath (Dec 22): Power outage impacting Vancouver Island for third day
- Storm aftermath (Dec 21): Power outage impacting island for second day
- Outage lists are regularly updated at www.bchydro.com