Moving into winter: Snow and wind warnings issued for most of Vancouver Island

Residents of Vancouver Island should expect wind and snow warnings in place for most of the island, with winter conditions on Tuesday.

Environment Canada added a wind warning early on November 29, adding to previous warnings to prepare for snow.

Snow is expected to begin late Tuesday morning in Malahat, turning to snow and rain near midnight. Steady rain will turn to light rain again on Wednesday (November 30), with 2-4 cm of snow expected.

Snowfall is expected across Victoria as the low pressure system approaches Tuesday morning, with the east, inland and north of Vancouver Island bearing the brunt of the storm. Heavy snowfall of 15 to 25 cm is expected in the hinterland of Vancouver Island and north of Courtenay. Some areas will see light rain on Wednesday.

With advance warning, the Shift into Winter Campaign now warns drivers.

“Winter weather and road conditions push our driving skills to the limit,” spokesperson Trace Acres said in a news release.

For those who drive for work, getting behind the wheel may be the most dangerous part of the job. Work-related conflicts are the leading cause of workplace trauma deaths in BC.

Winter increases the risk for all drivers. Hard snow is as slippery as ice, making steering and stopping difficult. Wet snow becomes slush, which can accumulate in the wheel wells and affect steering. Splashes and splashes from other vehicles can cause sudden loss of visibility. Steering and stopping may be difficult in icy conditions.

“The key zone for safe driving in cold weather lies between 5°C and -5°C, so keep an eye on your thermometer before you head out. You have to be careful about slipping in,” said Akers.

Four matched winter tires in good condition provide better traction and stopping than other tires in temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius, advises the campaign. Many BC highways, including Malahat, are also required until the end of winter and require a minimum tread depth of 3.5 mm.

With 10cm of snow forecast, along with winds, Environment Canada warns that heavy snowfall will make roads in Malahat slippery, making driving conditions dangerous.

christine.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca

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