Special weather statement issued for Vancouver Island ahead of freezing rain

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for parts of Vancouver Island as rain and snow combined with cool temperatures could bring freezing rain.

The weather agency is warning of freezing rain starting today through tonight for inland areas of eastern Vancouver Island, Nanaimo, Duncan, Coombs, Dunsmuir, the Island Highway, Malahat Highway, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River.

With incoming rain, many areas will see that rain turn into freezing rain impacting driving conditions, warns Environment Canada.

Two weather systems will merge over the area bringing in milder air, though surface temperatures near the water will remain near the freezing mark, with many inland areas likely remaining below zero well into the night.

In addition, inland regions near Courtenay, Comox and Campbell River will see local accumulations of 5 to 10 cm of snow tonight.

“Warmer surface conditions are expected to spread through the region by early Wednesday morning, however it is possible that freezing rain may linger for some areas,” the special weather statement read.

Victoria is expecting to see a high of 4°C on Tuesday before temperatures change to 2°C later this evening.

Rain and snow are forecast for the rest of the week.

Later this week, Greater Victoria is expected to see snow starting Christmas Eve and there is a possibility the region could see a white Christmas for the first time since 2017.

Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots are expected to become icy, slippery and hazardous.

Environment Canada is also warning that ice build-up may cause tree branches to break.

Stay safe out there when walking or driving in affected areas.