Upwards of 50 centimetres of snow has fallen in Nanaimo and the surrounding area either side of Christmas Day, paralyzing travel through the region. (NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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Heavy snow, frigid temperatures paralyze Nanaimo & Oceanside region

Dec 26, 2021 | 11:49 AM

NANAIMO — A winter wonderland perfectly timed for Christmas is turning into a major headache.

According to Nanaimo Weather Stats, a combined 15.2 centimetres of snow fell in Nanaimo on Thursday, Dec. 23 and Friday, Dec. 24.

Data from Christmas Day, the heaviest snowfall day so far, was not yet available from Environment Canada or Weather Stats as of publication.

Several residents reported anywhere from 12 to 50 centimetres of snow with more in the forecast. A snowfall warning remains in the forecast with Environment Canada expecting another two to four centimetres on Sunday, Dec. 26.

“An unstable airmass combined with cold outflow winds is bringing snow early this morning,” the warning read. “Further snowfall amounts up to 4 cm are expected until early this afternoon.”

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The snow is affecting transit corridors and operators in the region as well.

A significant accident on Hwy. 19 on Saturday night backed up northbound traffic for a few hours. The scene was cleared around 10 p.m.

Travel is being discouraged unless absolutely essential. Many area roads are not fully cleared, however the City of Nanaimo does have plows out on the roads making progress.

RDN Transit is operating, however many routes are delayed as a result of the snow. Some sections of the network are not being serviced, with riders asked to check the RDN’s adverse weather routing page for up to date information.

A travel advisory for highway driving is also in place for portions of Vancouver Island, predominantly to the south end near Victoria, Sooke, Sidney, Duncan and the Malahat.

Ferry service between Nanaimo and the Lower Mainland is also delayed between 30 and 60 minutes due to the crew needing to shovel snow from the terminals and vessels.

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