Victoria wakes up to a thin blanket of snow amid cold snap

Winter weather persists on Vancouver Island.

While it may not have been enough to build a snowman, Victorians woke up to a thin blanket of snow Thursday morning.

Environment Canada had predicted a 40 percent chance of light snow Wednesday evening, along with a 60 percent chance of flurries early this morning.

Mix that in with frosty temperatures, and an Extreme Weather Alert (EWA) remains in effect for Greater Victoria, prompting local daytime and overnight shelters to stay open for those seeking warmth.

The Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness says the EWA was first issued on February 21st and will remain in effect as temperatures stay at or below 0°C.

It’s a cold snap breaking records, with Wednesday’s 8 a.m. low of -3.5°C being the lowest temperature Victoria-Gonzales recorded on February 23rd in more than 100 years – since 1917.

Thursday will see a high of 4°C, according to Environment Canada. But tonight’s temperatures will dip to -4°C with a wind chill of -6°C overnight.

That said, to escape the cold, the Salvation Army ARC at 525 Johnson Street in downtown Victoria has 30 spaces available. Tonight and tomorrow night, it’s open from 8:30 p.m. until 7:30 a.m. Soup is served at opening, with breakfast served in the morning. However, pets aren’t allowed.

Meanwhile, the James Bay United Church at 511 Michigan Street also has 30 spaces and it’s open today from 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. The shelter is wheelchair accessible, snacks are provided and pets are allowed.

The Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness says it will post any further updates to its website.