Environment Canada issued a new snowfall warning for the Sunshine Coast Monday afternoon, and the impact of the weekend storm is still being felt as crews continue clearing side streets.
According to Environment Canada 29.6 cm of snow fell in Sechelt from last Friday morning (Feb. 3) to late Sunday and 44.3 cm was recorded at the Port Mellon weather station. The forecast calls for flurries on-and-off until temperatures start to warm up on Friday.
The snow that started falling across most areas of the Sunshine Coast on Feb. 3 made Highway 101 and side streets treacherous, according to Sunshine Coast RCMP. Accidents forced police to close sections of Highway 101 and other routes at various points over the weekend, but there were no reports of serious injuries.
As of Monday morning (Feb. 6), Sunshine Coast Transit was running service on Route 90 along Highway 101 and Marine Drive. Service was also operating on Routes 2, 3 and 4 in Sechelt. All other service was suspended. Transit is reminding riders that in snowy conditions, Route 90 service betwen Sunnycres Mall in Gibsons and Trail Bay Mall in Sechelt will get priority. Langdale service will be available if Gibsons Way and Marine Drive or the bypass are safe for bus travel, and during extreme weather, some local routes may not receive service (check scrd.ca for updates). The private bus company Sunshine Coast Connector cancelled service for Feb. 5 and 6.
School buses were running Monday morning, and schools were open (check the SD 46 website for updates).
RainCoast Housing said late Friday it would keep the cold weather homeless shelter at St. Hilda's Church in Sechelt open during the day Saturday and Sunday because of the bad weather, RainCoast said on weekdays the Arrowhead Centre is open and many shelter clients go there during the day.
BC Hyrdo crews have also been busy. More than 5,000 customers were without power at various points Friday night, and hundreds more lost power on Saturday and Sunday. All power had been restored by Monday morning (check bchydro.com for updates).
The snow also forced the cancellation of a planned vigil for the victims of the Quebec City mosque shooting on Feb. 3. The vigil will now be held Feb. 10 at noon at Mission Point Park.
RCMP have been reminding people to be prepared for winter driving conditions. "If you do go out, ensure that your vehicle’s tires are appropriate for the conditions, and ensure you have some emergency equipment – including a warm blanket – in your vehicle, in case you get stuck and have to wait for help." said Cst. Harrison Mohr on Friday.
RCMP are also reminding people to call 911 only if they are involved in a collision where there are serious injuries or their vehicle is stuck is a dangerous position. All other collision reports should be directed to the non-emergency line: (604) 885-2266.
