A number of closures in the Cowichan Valley this morning, due to severe weather conditions.
This includes all schools in the Cowichan Valley School District, Queen of Angels Catholic school, Sunrise Waldorf school, Duncan Christian school, Brooks Shawnigan Lake school in Shawnigan Lake, St. Joseph school, Evergreen Independent, Shawnigan Lake Community Center pre-school.
Though the Cowichan Tribes offices are closed, the Christmas Party is still a-go!
Several minor accidents have been reported this morning, while no major power outages were reported in the valley.
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This snowfall system hit Vancouver Island from the south end and then moved up Island.
Environment Canada’s Armel Castellan says 5 or 6 centimeters fell in Victoria…
Castellan says temperatures are expected to stick around the zero mark for the balance of the day, so higher elevations will continue to get snow while those closer to the water will get rain.
The snowfall warning is still in effect, mainly due to the snowfall in the higher elevations.
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Mounties are offering up some advice for drivers.
RCMP Constable Harrison Mohr…
Mohr says even if you’re not travelling far, you should be prepared and to bring some extra warm cloth with you.
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Over 15 centimetres have fallen in the Cowichan Valley so far.
Mainroads has been working 24-7 clearing roads for motorists from Chemainus down to Victoria. Operations Manager Leon Bohmer says there are 40 snow plows out clearing main roads, then moving on to secondary routes.
Bohmer says they have been out clearing since 10pm last night.
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A new record was set yesterday (Thurs) for power use in BC.
Karla Louwers with BC Hydro explains….
She says about 50 per cent of the average power bill is for heating purposes, so for those homeowners who want to save money on their bills the best advice she can give is, turn down the thermostats and wear a sweater.
In the meantime, residents of Mayne and Pender Islands are being asked to turn down their heat and unplug any electronics that are not in use.
