Heavy rainfall followed by heavy wet snow that blanketed southern Vancouver on Monday took down power lines, cancelled ferries, created havoc on roads and flooded basements.
Environment Canada issued snowfall warnings for Greater Victoria, the southern Gulf Islands, and inland and eastern Vancouver Island early Monday. Up to 25 centimetres of snow was forecast for areas including the Malahat portion of the Trans-Canada Highway to Goldstream in Greater Victoria, Duncan to Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay, and Port Alberni.
More than 35,000 B.C. Hydro customers on the Island were without power as of Monday evening.
Weather and road conditions were making it tough for crews to get out, B.C. Hydro said. “All available resources will continue to work throughout the day and into the night to make repairs and restore power.”
The utility said Duncan, the Gulf Islands, Greater Victoria and Nanaimo were among the hardest hit areas.
In Central Saanich, police said there were several crashes due to slippery roads, and RCMP closed some roads in Nanaimo.
Nanaimo RCMP urged people not to go out unless their vehicles were snow-ready.
“If your vehicle is not equipped with snow tires and you do not have experience with winter driving, don’t drive,” Nanaimo RCMP said in a statement. “Additionally, ensure your windows are clear, lights are on and that you have supplies to assist if your vehicle goes off the roadway.”
Heavy rain that preceded the snowfall caused stormwater and wastewater overflows in Saanich, Oak Bay and Victoria, prompting the Capital Regional District to post advisory signs at several beaches warning residents not to go in the water.
Some residents reported flooding in their basements. In Oak Bay, Bowker Creek was close to overflowing and rainwater pooled on some streets. The School-Based Weather Station Network reported 40 to 70 mm of rain at locations around Greater Victoria, including 44.7 mm at Gordon Head Middle School, 64.77 at Monterey Middle School and 70.36 mm at Eagle View Elementary School.
The weather prompted B.C. Ferries to cancel more than a dozen sailings on several routes between Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Vancouver.
On the mainland, another 35,000 B.C. Hydro customers were without power and the Coquihalla Highway was closed in both directions between Hope and Merritt because of multiple crashes.
The Drive B.C. highway report urged people who had to travel to take other routes like the Fraser Canyon.
— With a file from The Canadian Press
