Erin Haluschak
Record staff
First responders were kept busy Tuesday as the first snowfall of 2016 saw slippery streets and roadways around the Comox Valley.
Multiple accidents were reported around Courtenay in the Back Road and Crown Isle areas, in addition to Royston and Black Creek.
Courtenay Fire Chief Don Bardonnex told media Tuesday afternoon he had the fire department responding to four incidents around the same time.
He explained manpower was stretched, as generally six firefighters respond to an incident, and Tuesday he had four-men crews responding.
“This wet snow is definitely going to keep us busy.”
Comox Valley RCMP Const. Rob Gardner advised drivers to slow down on the roads and take more time getting to their destinations.
“Make sure your windshield is clear of snow and ice, check your tires. Leave a lot of distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. A lot of people might have summer tires but you should have mud and snow or winter tires. If not, carpool or get a ride,” Gardner said.
Environment Canada noted about four centimetres of snow was recorded at the Comox weather station as the low dropped down to -5.6C. The high was 0.3C; the normal temperature for this time of year is a high of 5C and a low of 0C.
The forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 5C and a low of 0C today, with highs of 5C and lows of 1C with little chance of precipitation for the weekend.