Nanaimo woke up to a blanket of fresh snow before the last snowfall had a chance to melt.
Schools are closed for a snow day Wednesday, Jan. 15, as roads are snow- and ice-covered.
A City of Nanaimo press release this morning noted that winter driving conditions persist.
City crews were able to plow some secondary routes and certain residential areas overnight, before more snow fell on priority routes.
“City crews remain focused on keeping emergency and priority routes clear and will only move onto to secondary and residential once the snow subsides,” the release notes.
With more snow in the forecast, the city is asking residents to “consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.”
The city also reminds property owners and tenants that they are responsible for clearing snow and ice from the sidewalks in front of their property.
Garbage and recyclable collection has been cancelled for the day in order for allow for crews to assist with snow clearing, the city said. Likewise for scheduled garbage and recyclable collection for Regional District of Nanaimo rural areas in South Wellington, Cassidy, Cedar and Gabriola Island.
Vancouver Island University’s campuses at Nanaimo, Cowichan and Parksville-Qualicum are closed for the day due to the snow.
RDN Transit has adverse weather routing in effect on Routes No. 5, 6 and 99.
As well, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has issued a travel advisory for the Trans-Canada Highway on Vancouver Island Highway from Nanaimo to Victoria.
“Persistent snow, high winds and cold temperatures are causing poor road conditions. Those who must travel are asked to use extreme caution and drive to the conditions,” the advisory notes.
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According to Nanaimo Airport, a WestJet flight from Vancouver, scheduled to arrive at 12:45 p.m., has been cancelled and a WestJet flight from Calgary, originally scheduled to arrive at 11:13 a.m., will arrive at 11:33 a.m.
A warming centre at the 7-10 Club at 285 Prideaux St. will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today through Friday, Jan. 15-17.
“The City of Nanaimo thanks our partners at the 7-10 Club and the Salvation Army for their help with this short-term initiative,” the release notes.
The city advises that all recreation facilities are open, though scheduled programming for Wednesday morning has been cancelled.
Environment Canada is forecasting between 10 to 15 cm of snow today and a wind warning is in effect with southeast winds of 70-90 km/h anticipated for tonight, with winds easing Thursday morning.
Here’s what Terminal Ave and Townsite looks like right now. #Nanaimo pic.twitter.com/dLNOXrdqv1
— Nicholas M Pescod (@npescod) January 15, 2020
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