SD62: Monday February 11 is a snow day

Monday, February 11, 2019 ~ WEST SHORE & SOOKE.

~ West Shore Voice News

Today Monday February 11 is a Snow Day in SD62. That news was posted by SD62 Superintendent Scott Stinston early this morning on the www.sd62.bc.ca website.

Overall there is the consideration of safety, due to the depth of snowfall and slippery roads and sidewalks. Likely also some schools may have impeded access if roadways and pathways are not yet cleared. School buses might also have a challenging time on many of the roads.

The Sooke School District SD62 serves Langford, Colwood, Highlands, Metchosin, Sooke and Juan de Fuca areas and some parts of View Royal.

An estimated 5 to 10 cm of snowfall has now accumulated by Monday morning, having started around 2 pm on Sunday afternoon and still with some light flurries this morning. As of about 5 am this morning, another 10 to 15 cm is expected in a “long period of snowfall”.

“A second low pressure centre in as many days will give more snow to the South Coast beginning this afternoon and continuing into Tuesday morning,” says 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 10 to 15 cm falling in most areas with somewhat higher amounts possible on Vancouver Island.”

It could take a while for roadways to be cleared. And with daytime temperatures hovering around zero, both sidewalks and roads could be additionally slippery.

Declaring a snow day (i.e. schools closed or classes not in session) is not taken lightly. The school district realizes that parents often must get to work and also may not be able to find child care for any children that cannot get to school. Employers, businesses and other services are also affected when employees cannot get to work or arrive late.

The Sooke School District SD62 can be followed on Twitter @SD62_Sooke  hashtag #sd62