Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – The District is sharing the following alert from Environment Canada:
A snowstorm is expected to arrive tonight.
- When: Tonight to Wednesday afternoon or early evening.
- Where: Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria (including Sooke), Howe Sound, Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Southern Gulf Islands, East Vancouver Island, Inland Vancouver Island, Sea to Sky – Squamish to Whistler, Malahat Highway – Goldstream to Mill Bay.
- Snowfall accumulations: Approximately 10 to 20 cm on the mainland side and southern Sunshine Coast and 10 cm for the Vancouver Island side and northern Sunshine Coast.
- Remarks: A Pacific low-pressure system is expected to bring widespread snow to the south coast tonight into Wednesday. Snow may become mixed with rain over Greater Victoria on Wednesday afternoon before easing late in the afternoon or early evening. In addition, there is a risk of freezing rain tonight in southern sections near the United States border. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.
Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.
For more about the District’s winter road maintenance program, visit:
Sidewalks
Residents and business owners are reminded that they are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks that border their property. Please be a good neighbour and help to keep Sooke safe by keeping walkways clear.
How else you can help when we experience snow:
- Please do not drive if your vehicle is not equipped for winter driving.
- When clearing driveways, help snow plow crews out by not shovelling snow toward the road. As they navigate clearing, they are constantly adjusting the plow to minimize pushing snow into driveways and getting salt on cars. Let’s do our best to work together.
- Clear catch basins as the snow melts.
- Check in on your neighbours and see if they need assistance, and how you can support them.
Emergency Preparedness for Snow-Related Events
Refer to the Severe Winter Weather and Storm Preparedness Guide from PreparedBC as a helpful resource to under more about winter weather risks and help you plan ahead.
Residents are reminded that winter tires are required for travel west of Sooke on Highway 14 and, in the event of snowfall, it is important that you only drive should you be comfortable, and your vehicle is equipped to do so.
“Snowfall isn’t as common in Sooke as it is elsewhere in the country, so it’s understandable that many might not be confident driving in such conditions. Making use of Transit or talking with your employer about remote work options in the event of adverse weather conditions are things to consider when it comes to household and individualized emergency planning,” says District of Sooke Emergency Program Manager Jason Humphries.
Extreme Weather Overnight Spaces
Sooke Shelter Society supports overnight spaces, 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The opening of the extreme weather centre is announced daily during events through the Sooke Shelter Society, as resources are confirmed.
Looking to request more snow removal resources?
If snow clearing is a priority for you, communicate the need for additional resources through the Annual Budget Survey available mid-June to mid-August each year. Generally, we have heard from those who participate in this survey and through budget information stations that resources can be better utilized elsewhere.
In extreme weather conditions, it takes the entire community to ensure our well-being and safety. Thank you for working with us to navigate this weather event together!
Community Contact:
District of Sooke Reception
Tel: 250.642.1634
Email: info@sooke.ca