Colder-than-usual temperatures means that snow isn’t going anywhere soon — and some areas might get more. Here’s our roundup of road conditions, cancellations and delays for Wednesday, Dec. 21.
Arctic outflow brings 'bitterly cold temperatures'
It’s going to be cold on Wednesday, thanks to the arctic outflow hitting Greater Victoria and the southern Gulf Islands.
Environment Canada is warning of “bitterly cold temperatures and strong winds.” Combined, the region can expect wind chill values near -20 C through to Thursday morning.
If outside, dress warmly in layers and stay dry. Cover as much exposed skin as possible to avoid frostbite. Ensure that shelter is provided for pets and outdoor animals. Be prepared for unusually cold temperatures and strong winds.
Other parts of the Island will be colder than usual as well.
On Tuesday, 29.3 centimetres of snow fell at Victoria International Airport, adding to the 8 cm that fell on Monday. The high was -1.6 C and the low was -5.6 C.
Slippery conditions on Vancouver Island highways
Drive B.C. is warning of winter driving conditions on Vancouver Island's highways, with lots of compact snow and slippery sections.
Emcon, which maintains the Island's highways, offered this advice for driving to conditions:
- Reduce speeds, avoid harsh braking
- Increase space between other vehicles
- Give yourself extra time
Municipal crews around the region have been digging out as well, prioritizing key routes to get as much traffic moving as soon as possible. Read our story to see how they go about it.
Saanich and Victoria police departments warned drivers of very slippery conditions on local roads and advised allowing extra travel time. Saanich police said conditions are especially difficult on the Pat Bay Highway.
B.C. Transit service running limited routes in Greater Victoria
On Wednesday morning, B.C. Transit said a limited number of bus routes were operating, and advised checking bctransit.com for updates. Service advisories can be found at bctransit.com/victoria.
HandyDART is running essential service only in Greater Victoria for medical appointments, and no fares are being collected.
In Nanaimo and the Cowichan Valley, buses are on regular routing, but there might be delays due to road conditions.
B.C. Ferries says weather could lead to disruptions
B.C. Ferries is advising that weather conditions on Wednesday could disrupt service, citing Environment Canada’s arctic outflow warning.
“Please allow extra time to arrive for your sailing as ice and snow could lead to dangerous driving conditions on roadways and at terminals. Service interruptions may occur as a result,” B.C. Ferries said in a travel advisory.
Passengers should check B.C. Ferries' current conditions page for the most up-to-date information.
On Wednesday morning, a frozen throttle on a rescue boat led to cancellation of the Queen of Oak Bay's 6:15 a.m. sailing out of Horseshoe Bay and 8:25 a.m. sailing out of Departure Bay.
The 7:45 a.m. sailing from Duke Point to Tsawwassen was delayed for more than an hour after a water leak caused by a frozen drain pipe on the Queen of New Westminster. The 10:15 a.m. from Tsawwassen and 12:45 p.m. sailing from Duke Point have been cancelled.
Sailings between Brentwood Bay and Mill Bay were called off up to 11:35 a.m. due to conditions at the terminals and on area roads.
Spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said wind is in the forecast for Wednesday afternoon and there could be freezing rain or snow, all of which could affect the ferry schedule.
“Our crews are doing their best to keep terminals clear, but sometimes the roads to get to the terminals can be a challenge and it’s a challenge for our staff to get there, as well,” said Marshall.
Delays and cancellations at YYJ
Victoria International Airport’s departures board listed several flights as cancelled or delayed on Wednesday morning. Passengers should check with their airline for updated flight information, the airport said.
Hundreds of people were stranded at YVR in Vancouver on Tuesday, and there was a similar situation at YYJ.
