Don’t drive unless absolutely necessary until Christmas.
That’s the message the BC government is sending to Vancouver Island and other residents of BC’s south coast about to be hit by a second winter storm in just a few days, warning that road conditions could be even more treacherous with the combined elements of snow, frost. rain and a traditional west coast soak.
Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning in effect until Dec. 24, saying this system could cause even more damage than what hit Tuesday.
The storm is expected to begin Thursday evening on Vancouver Island with the next round of snow – up to an additional 20 centimeters for Grand Victoria, the southern Gulf Islands and the eastern, interior and west of Vancouver Island – before changing to freezing rain on Friday and eventually returning to more seasonal rain that could lead to localized flooding.
“As always, our contractors will do their best to handle what is thrown at us,” Transport Minister Rob Fleming told a news conference Thursday, along with officials including Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma and meteorologists from Environment Canada.
“But it’s going to be a tricky time to go from plowing a heavy snow dump to putting salt to fight freezing rain. It’s going to be a big challenge. And for those who absolutely must travel, you’ll need to plan and prepare and we ask that your patience and the utmost caution”.
Some may not even have a choice. Fleming said the government is monitoring road conditions and can issue closures if conditions are too treacherous.
Routes of specific concern on Vancouver Island include Highway 4 to Port Alberni and the Malahat.
“In the interest of safety, we can close freeways if necessary on short notice. I know people have plans for the holidays. They want to spend family time with family, friends and loved ones. But this is a weather event. important,” Fleming said.
“Snow followed by freezing rain and then rain, and the rain that follows could be extremely heavy and up to 80mm, which could lead to some localized flooding.”
What is freezing rain?
While the snow and extreme cold would be enough on their own, Environment Canada says the precipitation will mix with ice pellets before changing to rain Friday afternoon on Vancouver Island, bringing the possibility of rain frosty
The term describes rain that falls as droplets but freezes immediately upon impact, coating roads and anything else it falls on in a layer of ice.
Environment Canada’s hourly forecast for Greater Victoria currently has freezing rain potentially starting at 10 a.m. Friday and says drivers should use extreme caution as it will cause “significant impacts” to road conditions.
On Saturday, forecasters say most areas can expect a return to West Coast weather, meaning heavy rain.
“We are pre-positioning flood assets where they may be needed,” said Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma.
The snow is expected to turn to freezing rain within 12 to 36 hours across southern BC, creating extremely hazardous road conditions Thursday into Saturday. 🌨️🧊🌧️
Avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. Power outages may occur. Be ready. pic.twitter.com/KO9MrhANP4
— Bowinn Ma (@BowinnMa) December 23, 2022
Tree branches can also snap from the added weight of wet snow.
RELATED: Man injured by falling tree limb while shoveling Langford driveway
Broken records
Thursday’s storm approaching the region is the latest in a relentless series of extreme weather events rarely seen on BC’s south coast.
The first winter storm on Tuesday hit the region with a significant dump of snow that halted transportation and services.
Then, in the South Island, an arctic outflow brought wind chill values as low as -20 degrees. According to Environment Canada, December 22 broke several daily temperature records, including:
- Victoria International Airport: -8.4 (previous record of -8.3 set in 1983)
- Victoria Gonzales: -9.3 (Previous record of -7.8 set in 1983)
- Nanaimo Airport: -15.6 (previous record of -13 set in 1983)
- Victoria Malahat: -12.7 (Previous record of -8.5 set in 1990)
Now, with the cold, snow and freezing rain combining, there are concerns that conditions on roads like the Malahat could be even worse this time around, with maintenance contractor Emcon once again advising drivers to stay off route until the storm passes.
⚠️Winter Storm Alert⚠️Forecast: Friday-Saturday. Heavy snowfall, followed by freezing rain, localized wind chill of -25°C, as well as localized flooding with heavy rain. I highly recommend staying home and staying safe until this storm passes if you can. #ServiceArea1 #ShiftIntoWinter pic.twitter.com/6wDploc0PE
— Emcon Services Inc. — South Island Division (@EmconSouthVI) December 22, 2022
The travel chaos continues
Thursday was a little better for BC Ferries sailings than previous days, although some morning and early afternoon sailings were canceled between Duke Point and Tsawwassen due to a pipe break caused by because of the freezing weather in the Queen of Alberni.
However, the company is warning passengers that Friday could see widespread cancellations and delays due to bad weather.
“BC Ferries is closely monitoring the weather forecast over the next few days, but warns of the high possibility of sailing cancellations on a variety of fleet routes,” it said in a service advisory. “Poor road conditions leading to the terminals and strong winds are expected to affect operations.”
All passengers should check current conditions before attempting to navigate through hazardous weather to reach a terminal.
At Victoria International Airport, only a handful of flights were canceled on Thursday. But heading into Friday, most morning departures from YYJ were listed as canceled, likely in anticipation of the incoming storm as the holiday travel crisis worsens by the day.
On the ground, BC Transit was back in service in Greater Victoria, albeit at a limited capacity.
However, the transit operator announced that it would end all bus service starting at midnight, with the exception of the bus schedule to pick up passengers from the last ferry that arrived in Swartz Bay.
BC Transit also issued an update later in the day saying service would be suspended Friday morning until at least 10:30 a.m. due to the twin threats of snow and freezing rain.
(1/3)⚠️🌨️ #VictoriaBC #RiderAlert – Due to snow and freezing rain warnings issued by @environmentca, we will be canceling all service on Friday, December 23rd until at least 10:30am.
— BC Transit – Victoria (@victoriatransit) December 23, 2022
Watch the full government press conference below:
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