Snowfall warning for southern Interior mountain passes

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – Heavy snow is on the way for high elevation highways in the southern Interior.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for both the Coquihalla Highway from Merritt to Hope and Highway 3 from the Kootenay Pass to the Paulson Summit.

Forecasters are expecting up to 20 centimetres of snow in the mountain passes from a Pacific frontal system moving through the southern Interior tonight, Feb. 4, and tomorrow.

Light snow will start tonight with heavier snow tomorrow morning, according to the snowfall warning. The heavy snow over the Coquihalla will change to rain by tomorrow afternoon, but the snow will likely persist over the Kootenay Pass into the evening.

The warning reminds people to adjust their driving with changing road condtions and prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions on the impacted routes.

“If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop,” the warning says.

For the latest weather warnings and forecast go to Environment Canada’s website.

For the latest road conditions check out Drive B.C.’s website.