Areas of Nanaimo saw wet snow fall through much of Friday morning, with high winds cancelling numerous sailings between Vancouver Island and the lower mainland. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)
HEAVY WINDS

High winds, wet snow affect Nanaimo ferry travel and area highways

Jan 10, 2020 | 12:39 AM

NANAIMO — High winds and widespread wet snow have made an impact for travellers in Nanaimo and areas north of the city.

BC Ferries cancelled all morning sailings between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay, along with sailings on the Tsawwassen to Duke Point route.

Service is expected to resume in the afternoon as the storm passes through the region.

Snowfall amounts through much of Nanaimo fell below estimates from Environment Canada. The agency issued a snowfall warning on Thursday evening calling for five to 15 centimetres.

Temperatures stayed well above freezing Friday morning, leading to a wet and slushy commute for driver.

Snow did impact travel on roads north of the city.

BC Hydro reported a small power outage affecting less than 50 customers at the same site as a morning vehicle accident on Highway 4, west of Coombs.

The incident was cleared shortly before 9 a.m. and power restored quickly.

Several travellers also reported snowy conditions on Highway 19 between Qualicum Beach and Courtenay, slowing vehicles along the road.

BC Transit services in the Regional District remained largely unaffected, while all SD68 schools and VIU opened Friday morning.

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