Another snowfall warning was issued by Environment Canada Tuesday after a series of weekend snow showers brought 10 to 20 centimetres to east Vancouver Island Friday through the weekend.
Accumulations of more than five centimetres were expected for the mid-Island Monday, with actual snowfall amounts expected to “vary widely” depending on location and intensity of storm bands.
While Environment Canada doesn’t have specifics for Parksville Qualicum Beach, The Weather Network calls for continued flurries and overnight freezing temperatures well into Wednesday.
The snow is expected to change to rain Thursday, with temperatures jumping to six or seven above.
City of Parksville CAO Debbie Comis said city staff is using all of its equipment that can be converted to snow removal equipment, such as salting, sanding and plough. Comis added that a large number of employees are trained in snow removal.
Comis said crews will be working as long as there is snowfall. She also said crews will be dealing with major arterial roads first, so side roads might not see snow removal right away.
Comis reminded residents and business owners that because of a bylaw, they are required to clear the snow in front of their residences and businesses by 10 a.m.
Town of Qualicum Beach CAO Daniel Sailland said town crews were prepared and were out beginning early Friday morning.
“Where challenges come up is with temperature variations between the downtown area and the ocean front,” Sailland said. “Despite our best efforts, roads can get a bit slick.”
Sailland reminds drivers to be cautious, and town crews will be working as long as necessary to clear the snow as it accumulates.
Local elementary and secondary schools remained open both Friday and Monday, although Vancouver Island University campuses in Nanaimo, Courtenay and Port Alberni were all closed early Friday afternoon and remained closed throughout the weekend.
For school weather closure info or changes to bus schedules, visit www.sd69.bc.ca.
The extreme weather shelter in Parksville, located at 223 Mill St., was open nightly beginning at 6 p.m. from Friday through the weekend, with volunteers providing a hot supper and breakfast. If people require a ride, they can call Oceanside Taxi at 250-954-8294 and they will pick people up and take them to the shelter at no cost.
— NEWS Staff