Public transport suspended, ferries canceled, flights delayed, high schools closed. Thousands of people were without power on Vancouver Island and surrounding areas on Tuesday.

winter storm warning In effect, much of Vancouver Island has been canceled as of Tuesday afternoon, but the South Island in particular is still digging out from an astonishing amount of overnight snowfall.

Warnings were issued Monday for eastern, inland and western sections of the island, including Greater Victoria and Marahat, as well as Port Renphew, Lake Cowichan, Duncan and Nanaimo.

Environmental Canada said those areas According to meteorologist Bobby Sekon, snowfall was expected to be around 20 centimeters, but in some areas it was more than 30 centimeters.

“Even in Victoria, there seem to have been reports of an additional 35 centimeters or more in Malahat,” he told CHEK News on Tuesday.

Needless to say, this snowfall is different from the usual light dust that falls on southern Vancouver Island only a few times each season.

“Even if you live in Victoria, this is probably noticeable to many. We are doing it,” said Sekhon.

The snow was expected to taper off around noon, leading to dangerous driving conditions, with both the BC government and local police asking drivers to stay home as much as possible.

“Stay home if you can,” Victoria Police tweeted on Tuesday morning, noting that city officials were working to clear the roads. ”

Tuesday’s snow may have evoked memories of the 1996 blizzard, but Sekong said it was only about half the buildup of that infamous weather disaster.

“One day we saw 65 centimeters. .

Transit, ferry and flight cancellations

Those wishing to choose public transit instead were out of luck as bus service was suspended on both the Victoria and Cowichan regional transit systems due to the snow, according to a service notice from BC Transit.

BC Transit initially hinted that services could resume at some point on Tuesday, but later confirmed it was canceled for the rest of the day.

“This is not a decision we take lightly as we know our customers trust us to get them to their destination. Safety is our number one priority and thank you for your patience during this time. Thank you,” the company said, telling passengers website About the latest updates.

The Nanaimo Transit service was still operating, but added that it was experiencing delays.handy dirt The service also runs essential services for medical appointments only.

At Victoria International Airport (YYJ), passengers are asked to confirm flights with the airline and allow extra time to travel to the airport.

“Snow expected all day and delays and cancellations due to winter weather conditions. Thank you for your patience and airport crews working to keep things moving,” the airport said in a tweet. .

The delay occurs as follows 6,200 people without power BC Hydro says power will be restored in the southern part of the island, including Victoria, Langford, Sooke, Mechocin and Duncan, with crews either on site, assigned or not yet assigned.

It’s a similar story with BC Ferries. Canceled numerous voyages For example, flights to and from the Vancouver Island departure terminals in Swartz Bay and Nanaimo due to inclement weather.

“Since this morning’s departure, we have essentially suspended service from the Departures Bay terminal down south to Swartz Bay and the Southern Gulf Islands, including the Horseshoe Bay-Langdale route.” BC Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall told CHEK News.

Also read: BC Ferries cancels flights to and from Vancouver Island due to heavy snow

As of 3pm, many routes had resumed operations, including the Swarts Bay-Tsawwassen route, but the Brentwood Bay-Mill Bay route, along with the Tsawwassen-Southern Gulf Islands and Campbell River-Quadra ferries, remained closed for the remainder of the day. Time canceled.

Meanwhile, while some students may have a winter break, others will have a snow day as post-secondary institutions such as Victoria University, Camosun College, Royal Roads University and North Island College closed their campuses on Tuesday. welcomes

“This morning’s face-to-face exam has been cancelled. Online exams will proceed as scheduled,” UVic tweeted, while Camosun asked students and staff to “stay safe, stay warm, and take care if you need to move.” Please put it on.” I requested.

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