Expect more snow and limited visibility during the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes courtesy the next winter storm heading our way. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

ANOTHER WINTER BLAST

Widespread winter storm watch in effect for Nanaimo & Oceanside

Jan 4, 2022 | 6:30 PM

NANAIMO — Environment Canada is warning of the next wintry punch heading our way.

Forecasts are calling for between 10 to 20 centimetres of snow beginning in the evening hours of Wednesday, Jan. 5 and continuing through Thursday, Jan. 6.

A winter storm watch is in effect for regions of eastern Vancouver Island from Campbell River to Duncan, along with Victoria, Sunshine Coast and Lower Mainland.

“A low pressure system is forecast to approach the B.C. coast later Wednesday,” the notice read. “Due to the recent cold temperatures, snow will develop Wednesday evening with snowfall accumulation ranging from 10 to 20 cm by midday Thursday.”

Travel conditions are of particular concern with rapidly accumulating snow adding extra complications to road clearing efforts.

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The trend from recent days of above freezing day time temperatures combined with below freezing overnight lows has caused extremely slippery roads and highways.

Over a dozen vehicle incidents were reported by Nanaimo RCMP and Fire Rescue between Monday, Jan. 3 and Tuesday, Jan. 4.

Many involved vehicles sliding off the road and into ditches.

“Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations,” Environment Canada’s storm watch noted. “Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas.”

The forecast for the mid-Island calls for warmer temperatures after this storm passes, with overnight lows staying above freezing through to early next week.

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