Although later than many were anticipating, the snow started accumulating across Greater Victoria Friday morning.
While schools in Greater Victoria were open at the start of the day and operating normally, some districts are now saying parents can pick up their children.
UPDATE: #SD62 Schools will remain open until the end of the day. Parents are welcome to go and pick up their child(ren) early if they'd like to.
Students are safe and warm in our schools. We will continue to monitor the weather and keep you updated!— School District #62 (@SD62_Sooke) February 8, 2019
Schools will remain open until the end of the day. School buses are running but some are experiencing delays.
Thanks for following our updates closely today! #SD62 Buses will be delayed a bit as they navigate side roads safely. BIG thanks to our school staff, facilities team and bus drivers for making sure students and staff are safe and warm.
— School District #62 (@SD62_Sooke) February 8, 2019
Despite conditions on the roads, #SD62 students sure had fun today at school! pic.twitter.com/eUk2BBM4hJ
— School District #62 (@SD62_Sooke) February 8, 2019
Fri Feb 8 – All Saanich Schools are OPEN and buses are running as usual today. Please drive carefully as we expect the snow to start falling later in the morning resulting in slick roads and sidewalks.
— SD 63 Saanich (@sd63schools) February 8, 2019
Students all across the District are enjoying this snowfall. â„ï¸â˜ƒï¸ #sd61learn pic.twitter.com/qaC8ipgQ3J
— Greater Victoria SD (@sd61schools) February 8, 2019
Camosun College closed at 1:30 p.m. with libraries at both campuses staying open until 2:30 p.m.
Camosun College will be closing at 1:30 pm due to the inclement weather. The Libraries at both campuses will remain open until 2:30pm. All buildings will be locked and secured by 2.30 pm. We are undertaking this to ensure student and staff safety.
— Camosun College (@Camosun) February 8, 2019
Got a question about snow or other disrupting weather @uvic? Visit this webpage for FAQs and other useful information: https://t.co/LUp8VKqq6O
— UVic Campus Security (@uvicsecurity) February 8, 2019
An alert from Environment Canada is calling for “another round of winter” as 10 centimetres of snow is expected to hit the Island by Saturday morning.
Areas further from the water and over high terrain are receiving the most accumulation such as the Malahat, Shawnigan Lake and Cowichan Lake. Areas closer to the water, including downtown Victoria, will see upwards of 5 cm of snow.
Plan for cold weather today. There is a wind and snow fall warning in effect. Stay tuned for more information and updates throughout the day. #yyj #sd61learn pic.twitter.com/B12Dvl3O8D
— Greater Victoria SD (@sd61schools) February 8, 2019
RELATED: No snow day on the Island despite flurries
Your Friday night plans may be in danger as Environment Canada is reporting “quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions” with “rapidly accumulating snow” that could make travel difficult over some locations, but the threat of snow will end by early Saturday morning.
Wind and snowfall warnings have been issued for Greater Victoria with strong outflow winds gusting to 90 km/h that will develop this evening over the Fraser Valley, southeastern Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands.
Visibility may be reduced due to blowing snow. The winds are expected to continue into Saturday.
Another snowfall warning has been issued for Malahat Highway from Goldstream to Mill Bay, cautioning drivers to drive carefully and use winter tires and chains when driving in the mountains.
Road conditions are available at drivebc.ca.
