By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Unexpected snow creates nasty conditions on Nanaimo roads

Dec 29, 2017 | 3:20 PM

NANAIMO — It appears everyone, including Environment Canada, was caught off-guard by a significant snow storm hammering Nanaimo.

Large, heavy wet flakes began falling early Friday afternoon and quickly started accumulating as the temperature dropped to 0 C.

Just before 3 p.m., Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning.

“Total amounts in excess of 10 cm are expected before the snow tapers off late this evening,” the warning said. “Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult.”

Commuters and the City of Nanaimo were apparently not expecting the snowfall either.

housing and retail

Mayor encouraged by apparent Nanaimo North Town Centre redevelopment plans

1h ago

ROAD CONSTRUCTION SEASON

Paving work to begin through Parksville, including notable Hwy. 4 disruption

21h ago

Youth Basketball

Snaw-naw-as Sawbills youth basketball combines cultural tradition and sport

Apr 13, 2025

The City said the “unexpected” storm created winter driving conditions. Plows are out and focusing on emergency routes.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue is on scene of what is described as a possibly five-car accident on Uplands Dr. near Tunnah Rd. People are asked to avoid the area and use extra caution while driving.

The Regional District of Nanaimo said all transit routes are on adverse weather routing.

See something we should be reporting? Please share your pictures and road condition updates to info@nanaimonewsnow.com.

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW