A coating of snow overnight on area roads, including Hwy. 19 near Nanoose, contributed to a handful of minor vehicle incidents. (DriveBC)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

FIRST SNOWFALL

‘Abysmal’ road conditions along Nanoose Flats blamed for two overnight crashes

Nov 2, 2022 | 12:06 PM

NANOOSE — A spontaneous and somewhat unpredicted snowfall overnight on the mid-Island created some temporary traffic trouble.

Oceanside RCMP responded to two separate incidents within minutes of each other along Hwy. 19 at the Nanoose Flats, shortly after midnight on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

Sgt. Shane Worth told NanaimoNewsNOW a vehicle travelling north and an RCMP cruiser going south both ran off the side of their respective sides of the highway, with the road conditions at the time believed to be the main factor.

“Approximately two inches of snow on the roadway and a significant amount of rain resulting in pooling water on top of the snow,” Worth said. “One of the officers on scene described the road conditions as abysmal.”

Worth confirmed the cruiser involved was not an Oceanside RCMP vehicle and was not responding to a call at the time of the crash.

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Both vehicles were towed from the scene while those inside sustained only minor injuries.

Road conditions proved to be treacherous on Hwy 19 through Nanoose Bay following an unexpected dumping of snow. (Rebeckah Cummings-Young)

The presence of snow on the highway at sea level surprised Worth when he read the reports. He added it’s not typical to see at low elevations this time of year.

“We are used to seeing this changing weather on the Inland Highway around Cook Creek and Nile Creek, which we have already experienced this week with some rapidly changing weather.”

He said drivers should use these incidents as a reminder to be ready for travel in any weather.

“If you are required to have snow tires or winter tires, get those tires on so that you’re prepared and safe out there.”

Around an inch of snow remained on the side of the roads until early Wednesday morning with some slippery patches. (submitted photo/Bill Dean)

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