Another round of snow fall has resulted in another round of traffic problems across the capital region.
The Malahat was closed shortly after 5pm Sunday, as a heavy afternoon snowfall quickly started to accumulate on the highway causing cars to spin-out and traffic to slow to a crawl. Mainroad Contracting, who maintain the highway, closed the Malahat in both directions as they moved slow plows into place and assessed the situation. The Malahat reopened just before 8pm.
Crashes combined with treacherous driving conditions caused police to close the Pat Bay Highway from Keating Cross Rd. to the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal. A crash on Lands End Rd. near restricted access to the foot passenger area. Wind and also slowed some ferries themselves, resulting in delays.
There were several other crashes and cases of vehicles going off the road, causing municipalities and police forces all over Greater Victoria to urge drivers to stay off the roads.
The Victoria International Airport began reporting flight delays and cancellations soon after the Sunday afternoon snow began to fall.
Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning for the South Island. They forecast around 5cm of snow falling before midnight and then easing until Monday afternoon. Overnight lows are expected to hit minus 4 with a wind chill near minus 13.