iN TRAFFIC: Snowfall warnings in effect for the Interior

Snowy weather is expected to result in hazardous driving on the Coquihalla and Okanagan Connector today.

Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning for Highway 5 from Hope to Merritt to Kamloops, as well as Highway 97C from Merritt to Kelowna. It’s in effect for tonight, Nov. 29 and tomorrow morning, Nov. 30. In the forecast for Highway 5 between Hope and Merritt and Highway 97C is 20 to 35 centimetres of snow, as well as wind gusts up to 60 km/h which can cause reduced visibility in blowing snow. 

“Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations,” according to the warning. “Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.”

From Merritt to Kamloops on Highway 5, 10 to 15 cm is expected, as well as poor visibility as a result of gusty winds and the heavy snow.

Another snowfall warning applies to Abbotsford and Metro Vancouver, where heavy snow and strong southwest wind gusts up to 70 km/h may result in broken tree branches tomorrow morning.

Drive B.C. is warning drivers of slippery sections of most major highway in the Interior – Highways 1, 3, 5, 5A, 6 EW, 97, 97A, 97B and 97C, as well as Westside Road.

Highway 3A has compact snow east of Keremeos, on Highway 5 compact ice has been reported between the Portia exit and Mine Creek Road, and on Highway 97 there is compact snow between Okanagan Falls and Summerland.

For those planning on flying out of Kelowna, there have been three cancellations over the next 24 hours. WestJet flights to Vancouver 3329, 3331 and 3345, at 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 6:15 a.m., respectively, have been cancelled.

For skier and boarders, there is no new snow at Big White Ski Resort, however 54 centimetres accumulated over the past week. Skies are clear and the wind is calm. At Sun Peaks Ski Resort there is no new snow and 26 cm over the past 7 days. Periods of light snow begin are in the forecast for the late afternoon.

For weather, Kamloops will be starting off the day around -13 Celsius and warm up to -7 by the end of the day. Vernon and Kelowna are now currently -8 C, will be warming up to -7 C before dropping back down to -8 C tonight. Penticton is currently -7 C and will warm to -3 C by the end of the day. Flurries and snow are in the forecast throughout the region.

— This story was updated at 11:21 a.m. Nov. 29, 2022, with new snowfall warnings.

— This story was updated at 2:22 p.m. Nov. 29, 2022, with new information about flight cancellations.

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