As snow flurries mixed with rain hit the capital region Tuesday morning, Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning for Courtenay to Campbell River.
The snowfall warning is in effect until early afternoon for Courtenay to Campbell River inland sections.
Areas near the water such as Comox will see the wet snow change to rain near noon, as the southeast winds off the Strait of Georgia strengthen and raise temperatures, says Environment Canada.
Areas away from the water and inland, including Campbell River, will likely see snow continue into the afternoon with accumulations near five centimetres.
A Ministry of Transportation DriveBC camera showed Highway 28 or the Gold River Highway, 24 kilometres west of Campbell River, covered in snow.
The south coast remains under the influence of a cold and unstable airmass, according to Environment Canada. A low-pressure system offshore is drawing in moisture, resulting in flurries across Vancouver Island.
In Greater Victoria, the forecast calls for rain showers mixed with wet flurries this morning, ending near noon and followed by cloudy skies and a 60 per cent chance of rain showers the rest of the day.
Environment Canada says there’s also a risk of thunderstorms late this afternoon in parts of the Island, including Victoria and Tofino.
Southwest wind is forecast to change from 20 km/h to southeast wind gusting up to 50, or 70 near Haro Strait this afternoon.
Temperatures are expected to remain around 9 C in the capital region on Tuesday.
ceharnett@timescolonist.com
