The headline on the front page of our local paper for the last day of November read, “A November to remember–wettest month ever–snowiest November ever–wind, flood, ice…but no locusts–yet”. Well that statement does sum it up. I am thrilled that the month of November is behind us.
For November 2006, the snowfall and precipitation was the heaviest since statistics started being kept in 1937.
The month started out with Vancouver receiving 14.4 mm of rain on November 3 and a further 44.6 mm on November 4. This was the month’s biggest one-day total of rain.
On November 5, heavy rains swelled the Chilliwack River flooding homes and causing the evacuation of hundreds. Flows peaked at 1,040 cubic metres per second up from a normal rate of 20 cubic metres per second.
November 15 brought 100km/hr-plus winds which snapped trees and left many homes in the province without power. The Sea-to-Sky Highway closed because of fallen trees and BC Ferries cancelled sailings.
November 16 brought a boil water advisory to Vancouver and surrounding cities. The turbidity levels in the reservoirs caused by the heavy rains did not result in contamination but the advisory held due to the level ofmurkiness.
November 26 brought a further 44 cm of snow which combined with the arctic front resulted in below normal temperatures and ice formed.
November 27 continued to bring snow. Schools and universities were closed and the RCMP advised against travelling the highway. The arctic air continued to sit over the Lower Mainland sending temperatures to -12 and lower with the wind chill factor.
November 29 brought yet more snow followed by sleet and finally warmer temperatures and rain.
Today we are still dealing with this white stuff. The sun is shining and the temperatures are up from the past week. However, evening brings lots of black ice resulting from the snow melting during the day and freezing after sun down. Driving is still treacherous!
And then the front of the house.
And the view down our street.
