Snowfall warnings for the region lifted early Tuesday (Feb. 4) but classes are cancelled for most as wintry conditions continue.
Saanich and Greater Victoria school districts cancelled classes for the day.
“The Peninsula received a significant amount of snow last night resulting in many side roads not being adequately cleared for school buses and pedestrian traffic. Due to safety concerns all schools will be closed today to allow municipal crews and school district crews time to clear safe passage to our buildings,” Saanich School District said in an early morning update.
Sooke schools are open.
“Our team has been assessing road conditions since early this morning, and SD62 schools will remain open today,” the Sooke School District said in an online alert. “As always, the decision about what is best for your child rests with you as a parent/guardian, and we fully respect and support whatever choice you make. If you choose to keep your child home, we kindly ask that you follow your school’s usual absence procedure.
If your child is attending school today, please make sure they are dressed appropriately for the weather conditions.”
SD62 buses will run, except routes 2, 51 and 60.
The University of Victoria and Camosun College both closed campuses for the day due to challenging road conditions and snowfall.
“The closure only applies to those activities that must occur on the physical campus. If you have questions about how this campus closure impacts you, please contact your instructor or supervisor,” UVic wrote in an early morning update. “We are actively monitoring weather conditions to determine when it is safe to reopen campus. UVic crews are working to clear roadways, paths and parking lots in order of priority.”
The weather remains cold and snow is expected across the south Island according to Environment Canada. Two to four centimetres of the white stuff is expected to fall across the region Tuesday, with flurries anticipated through Thursday (Feb. 6).
A windchill overnight could make the night feel like -9C.
Highway 1, the Pat Bay Highway and West Saanich Road, which all fall under the purview of the province, are all slushy with slippery sections, according to Drive BC.
Emcon Services Inc., the company contracted to maintain the Malahat portion of Highway 1, reminds drivers to “drive to conditions” after early morning snowfall. The mountain pass has been plowed and treated.
For those looking to travel, snowfall warnings continue in the Southern Gulf Islands and the east of Vancouver Island from Duncan to Fanny Bay.
Drive to the conditions. Early morning snowfall on #BCHwy1, #Malahat has been plowed & treated. Plow trucks are out on all our #BCHwys. Check @DriveBC for the latest weather and road conditions.#ShiftIntoWinter#SlowDown#BePrepared@yyjtraffic @tranbc pic.twitter.com/wAiamvA2C9
— Emcon Services Inc. - South Island Division (@EmconSouthVI) February 4, 2025
