Schools are open in Greater Victoria Monday, Feb. 3, but with snowfall warnings in place that comes with a caveat.
Drive BC warns of slippery sections and wintery conditions on the Malahat Drive portion of the Trans-Canada Highway. A chain check is in effect, with commercial trucks requiring chains.
Much of Vancouver Island is under warning for snow that could accumulate 10 to 20 cm with snowsqualls producing locally heavy snow Monday and Tuesday, said Environment Canada.
Two rounds of heavy snow are expected for East Vancouver Island, Southern Gulf Islands, Malahat Highway and Greater Victoria.
The first is expected Monday morning through the afternoon as northwest winds and southeast winds collide over the Strait of Georgia. The bands of snow could move onshore onto the east side of Vancouver Island from near Comox to Mill Bay. While the snow will become light in Nanaimo, Duncan and the Saanich Peninsula this afternoon, snowsqualls will continue to fall between Qualicum Beach and Fanny Bay through the day.
The second round of heavy snow is expected to start overnight Monday. This second scenario will concentrate the heavy snow between Nanaimo and Victoria, as well as parts of the Southern Gulf Islands. Snowfall accumulation will be highly variable.
Both the Greater Victoria and Saanich school boards announced early that schools remain open with buses running. Both districts reminded families to use extra caution when walking or driving to school, advising them to take extra time and dress warmly.
All Sooke School District routes except for the 60 are expected to run. "Changing road conditions can affect our bus schedules. Please ensure you are prepared for the weather and potential delays as traffic begins to pick up this morning," SD62 wrote in a community update.
BC Transit Victoria notes winter weather could mean detours, service delays and cancellations. For the most up-to-date info visit alerts.bctransit.com.
