Environment Canada advises residents of Vancouver Island’s eastern portion to be ready for strong winds and snow.
Environment Canada issued a snowfall advisory Dec. 17 warning that snowfall would be possible in the Duncan to Nanaimo area, Nanoose Bay, Fanny Bay, Courtenay, and Campbell River areas. Snowfall will total 10 centimetres and snowfall will be expected on higher terrain tonight through Saturday morning.
“A strong Pacific frontal system will move onto the B.C. south coast tonight bringing a wintry mixture of precipitation to much of the region,” Environment Canada said. “Temperatures will be cold enough to keep snow levels mainly between 200 and 300 metres, however the heavy precipitation may allow the snow levels to lower briefly closer to sea level. Snowfall accumulations will vary from 2 cm near sea level to 10 cm on higher terrain.
“Warmer air pushes in later on Saturday morning and allows the snow over higher terrain to change to rain.”
Environment Canada warned that strong winds could be expected from Nanoose and Fanny Bays, as well from Courtenay and Campbell Rivers and Sunshine Coasts on Saturday morning. They will ease by midday.
Forecasters predict winds of 70 mph, with gusts up to 90 km/h. Strong winds coupled with the snow “is expected to cause local blowing snow” and hamper visibility in inland areas of the aforementioned areas, Environment Canada said.
Go to for more weather warnings www.weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html.
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