Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Nanaimo and Oceanside, warning of the first real snowfall of the winter season. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

HERE'S WINTER

Snowfall warning issued for Nanaimo, Oceanside

Dec 5, 2021 | 7:55 AM

NANAIMO — It’s about to look a lot like Christmas.

Environment Canada issued a snow warning for eastern Vancouver Island, including Nanaimo and Oceanside early Sunday, Dec. 5, warning of between five to 10 centimetres of snow.

The wintery blast is expected to begin Sunday night and extend into Monday, Dec. 6. The forecasted overnight low in Nanaimo and Oceanside is zero.

“Total snowfall accumulations of about 5 to 10 centimetres is expected, inland sections away from the water and higher terrain of Vancouver Island may possibly see up to 15 centimentres by Monday afternoon,” the warning said.

It’s the first snowfall warning of the winter for the region.

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The warnings extend for all of Vancouver Island, with inland portions around Port Alberni expecting 15 to 20 centimetres.

Higher elevations and rural areas of Nanaimo reported a light snowfall early Saturday morning, however little to no accumulation fell in urban areas.

“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions,” Environment Canada also noted. “There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas.”

The snowfall comes on the heels of a record-wet fall season with 620 millimetres of rain falling through September, October and November.

It was 181 per cent of the average rainfall for the same time period.

November itself was the second wettest on record with 359 millimetres captured at Nanaimo Airport. The average at the airport for November is only 197 millimetres.

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