Many areas on Vancouver Island have received wind warnings and snow warnings.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an Inland Vancouver Island snowfall warning. This includes Port Alberni.
The weather agency predicts that snowfalls of 15 to 20cm are possible between Saturday night (mid-day Jan. 2), according to their forecast.
“A weather system will reach Inland Vancouver Island tonight producing snow tonight and Sunday morning. Snowfall accumulations in excess of 15 cm are expected before changing to rain by midday Sunday,” Environment Canada said in its alert, which was issued before 5 p.m. Saturday.
Environment Canada has also issued wind alerts for Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands, North Vancouver Island and East Vancouver Island Courtenay-to Campbell River, and Nanoose Bay-to Fanny Bay.
Greater Victoria, Southern Gulf Islands, East Vancouver Island Courtenay, Campbell River, and Nanoose Bay, Fanny Bay will be experiencing southeast winds of 70 to 90 km/h, starting Saturday night.
For Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands, winds are expected to continue until Sunday night. East Vancouver Island will see winds lessen over the weekend.
“An approaching Pacific frontal system will give strong winds to the region. Southeast winds will gradually increase in strength today, reaching 70 km/h gusting up to 90 this evening. Overnight, the winds will weaken.
North Vancouver Island: Southeast winds gusting up to 110 km/h are expected until the evening.
“A strong frontal system approaching North Vancouver Island is generating strong southeast winds over the area. Wind will ease to light early this evening as the front moves across the region,” Environment Canada said on its website.
A special weather advisory has been issued alerting to snow and the possibility of freezing rain for East Vancouver Island Courtenay-to Campbell River, Duncan-to Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay-to Fanny Bay.
According to the weather agency, snowfall could reach 5-10 cm in the region as a result a Pacific frontal.
“A Pacific frontal system approaching the B.C. the region with snow. Tonight’s snowfall will continue until temperatures drop and snow becomes rain in many parts of the country. On Vancouver Island’s inland areas and on the more rugged terrain, snow will likely continue to fall into Sunday morning. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 cm can be expected with lesser amounts near the water,” the weather agency said on its website, adding. “Meanwhile, warm air aloft from the front will give a risk of freezing rain to the central and eastern sections of Vancouver Island tonight and Sunday morning.”
Click here for more information Here.
A map showing the Inland Vancouver Island region. (Environment Canada)
