Winter solstice has brought winter weather to the Island, with rain predicted to shift to snow even at sea level this afternoon.
Shortly after 8 a.m. PST, Environment Canada issued an alert that a deepening Pacific low making its way across Washington state will bring abundant moisture, leading to heavy wet snow over East Vancouver Island.
Areas in Greater Victoria near sea level were expected to see possible snowfall accumulations of 5 cm, while higher terrain and communities south of Comox could see up to 15 cm.
Rainfall up to 40mm was also expected, with precipitation tapering off by early evening as the system moves east.
Environment Canada cautioned that highway conditions would see reduced visibility and accumulating snow, potentially impacting rush hour traffic.
DriveBC posted alerts for slushy and slippery conditions on Highway 1 towards View Royal between Tolmie Lane and Exit 8, and on Highway 18 west of Duncan towards Skutz Falls.
Users took to social media to post photos and video of the snow, with shots in Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Victoria, Shawnigan Lake and more.
Shawnigan Lake BC #bcstorm #snowfall @50ShadesofVan pic.twitter.com/AJENo0yVDz
— Sarcastic Viking (@Sarcastaments) December 21, 2020
Rain/snow falling @Camosun Interurban. #yyj #BCstorm pic.twitter.com/WEFORJ3lJh
— Rob Freeman (@robfreemanYYJ) December 21, 2020
Loonie sized wet snowflakes are falling in Nanaimo. #BCstorm @llikemoyd pic.twitter.com/21eQgNYgOh
— Jason Lloyd (@Your_chef_can) December 21, 2020
Big snow flakes now coming down at sea level in Nanoose Bay. #BCStorm pic.twitter.com/lyrNtqyaSe
— Stephen Watson, BC Hydro (@SWatson_BCH) December 21, 2020
Snowing in Victoria near the General Hospital via cousin #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/d3ti9lq4to
— Rhubarbtime (@rhubarbtime65) December 21, 2020
#bcstorm @50ShadesofVan forecast pulled through and it’s snowing good out here in Ladysmith this am! pic.twitter.com/CjtNcEvkm3
— Barry Ca☈vish (@bcarvish) December 21, 2020