Another 20 centimetres of snow has fallen on already tall and icy snow banks across the mid-Island, again causing major issues for travellers. (Daryl Major/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

SNOW DAY

Overnight snowfall triggers widespread cancellations, delays

Jan 6, 2022 | 6:21 AM

NANAIMO — The forecasted dump of snowfall came as advertised and the mid-Island is again left digging out.

Between 15 and 25 centimetres of snow was expected by Environment Canada with the flurring beginning late Wednesday evening. Early estimates have the monitoring station at Nanaimo Airport recording around 20 centimetres.

As a result, both SD68 in Nanaimo-Ladysmith and SD69 in Parksville-Qualicum have cancelled school and bus service for the day, for students who were attending in person this week.

The RDN Transit system is also facing significant delays and re-routing with buses unable to navigate multiple streets. Riders are asked to check the RDN’s adverse weather routing page for more information.

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The City of Nanaimo reported plows are out, again focusing on major routes in a bid to keep roads leading to and from fire halls, the hospital, main corridors and transit routes clear.

An early morning tweet also advised of a postponement of recreational programming until at least Thursday afternoon.

Power remained relatively unaffected early Thursday morning with a handful of small outages reported on Gabriola Island along with an outage affecting around 1,000 people south of Nanaimo and east of the Nanaimo Airport.

Drive BC is warning of slippery sections and compact snow for all area highways, with non-essential travel being discouraged.

BC Ferries was also forced to cancel the 5:15 a.m. departure from Nanaimo due to “adverse weather conditions affecting our crew attending the vessel,” according to the company.

Vancouver Island University has also shut its campuses in Nanaimo, Cowichan, Parksville and Powell River due to the extreme weather.

The additional snow also cancelled scheduled garbage and recycling collection, with trucks already unable to access many area roads before the additional snow.

Free drop-offs are being offered at the Cedar landfill and the Parksville transfer station until regular service can be resumed.

Canadian Blood Services has also cancelled their donor event at Beban Park Social Centre for Thursday, Jan. 6.

Organized advised anyone with an appointment are being asked to re-book their appointments.

Environment Canada’s forecast calls for the snow to taper off, making way for ice pellets and freezing rain on Thursday afternoon.

More rain is expected into Friday, Jan. 7 and through a majority of the next week.

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