Winter arrived like an unexpected guest Sunday evening, blanketing the Harbour City and surrounding areas with anywhere between two and 10 centimetres of wet, slushy snow.
Environment Canada posted a wind and snowfall warning just prior to the winter wallop. It lifted the advisory Monday morning.
Several minor vehicle mishaps were reported across the city Sunday beginning at 6:11 p.m. on Highway 19 and an hour later on Mostar Road.
Three more were called in during a 10-minute span beginning at 8:10 p.m. on Dover Road, Pine Street and Pryde Avenue as conditions quickly deteriorated.
No serious injuries were reported.
Nanaimo RCMP said drivers had, for the most part, adjusted well to the sketchy road conditions.
“Nothing major to report,” said Const. Gary O’Brien, RCMP spokesman.
Though some residential streets remained slippery for the drive to work, city crews were out overnight clearing main arteries and emergency routes.
Only roadways closest to the ocean were spared any accumulation.
There were no school closures Monday in Nanaimo school district, and Vancouver Island University and government offices were also open.
Like a good house guest, however, winter won’t stay for too long.
The forecast calls for a high of 5 C today (Dec. 18) with a mix of sun and cloud with a chance of showers.
The remainder of the week is expected to reach seasonal averages of 7 C with showers and rain.