Nanaimo got its first significant snowfall of winter overnight.
The east coast of Vancouver Island remains under a snowfall warning, with a total amount of 10-20 centimetres expected over Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 3-4.
Environment Canada advised early in the morning Monday that two rounds of heavy snow were expected "under the influence of a cold low and arctic outflow winds."
Light snow is expected in Nanaimo this afternoon, turning to heavy snow overnight Tuesday and lasting to Tuesday night.
"Snowfall accumulation will be highly variable depending on the length of time a heavy band of snow remains over an area," Environment Canada noted. "There is also uncertainty as to the strength of the outflow winds which will have an effect on the total snowfall accumulation for the second round of snow."
Motorists are advised to prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.
The City of Nanaimo reminded residents that crews are working on keeping main traffic arteries clear, including bus routes and roads leading to the hospital. Crews will plow secondary and tertiary routes only if 'priority one' routes are clear.
The city cancelled waste collection Monday, Feb. 3, due to unsafe driving conditions. There will be no collection until the next regularly scheduled collection day, but at that time, residents will be allowed to put out extra garbage or recycling. Residents are asked to place the securely tied garbage bags one metre away from the carts. Extra recyclables may be placed loosely in an open container one metre away from the carts.
Regional District of Nanaimo Transit is running irregular scheduling due to weather conditions. For more information on impacted routes, visit http://rdn.bc.ca/transit-service-alerts.