Main roads through Nanaimo remained relatively clear through the morning commute on Monday, Dec. 19. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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Winter storm warning issued as Arctic air takes firm grip of Nanaimo & Oceanside

Dec 19, 2022 | 9:09 AM

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

Snowfall began over the weekend but intensified overnight Sunday, Dec. 18 and into Monday, Dec. 19 with around two centimetres falling in many parts of the region.

Environment Canada is forecasting more to come with a snowfall warning issued early Monday advising of between 10 and 15 centimetres through until Tuesday morning.

“A low-pressure system will land in Washington (Monday night),” the warning noted. “The associated front will brush through the very southern part of British Columbia giving another round of snow starting late this evening.”

Heaviest accumulations are expected on the south Island in the Victoria area, however, Environment Canada did suggest parts of eastern Vancouver Island between Duncan and Oceanside would see some significant totals.

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Snow is expected to taper early Tuesday morning.

Nanaimo city manager of roads and traffic services David Thompson said they are focusing on clearing priority one routes first as usual.

He said the cooler temperatures help keep the salt on the roads longer.

“It will stay on the roads rather than washing away when the temperatures warm up, and then we rely on the vehicle traffic pounding it in and turning that snow into water and flowing away.”

Unlike previous snow events, temperatures are forecast to remain considerably below freezing, minimizing risk of a thaw-freeze cycle.

He said the City has plenty of road salt stockpiled and ready to go, and with the temperature expected to drop even further this week, now might be the time to prepare.

“Drive to conditions and we’ve got an opportunity here to make extra preparations. If people want to take the opportunity to stock up on supplies so they don’t have to go out tomorrow (Tuesday), that would probably be a good idea.”

For the commute Monday morning, many main roads were relatively clear with City crews continuing to focus on main corridors, transit and emergency routes.

Officials are asking people to drive according to the conditions and limit trips to essential travel only.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue has not responded to a motor vehicle incident call as of publishing time Monday, however a 5:15 a.m. sailing from Duke Point was delayed due to a vehicle incident along the Duke Point Hwy. which delayed crew and passengers from arriving to the boat.

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