Yesterday’s predictions for heavy snowfall are here and even worse in some areas

KELOWNA – Weather warnings issued yesterday are coming true today in much of the B.C. Interior. 

Yesterday, the weather office was calling for some heavy snowfall throughout the region, but now we have more specifics: Kamloops and the South Thompson might be spared the worst of the storm and the Central Okanagan may take the brunt. 

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for the Central Okanagan, including Kelowna, as of this morning. Heavy snow is expected to result from a wet Pacific frontal system approaching the southwestern interior. Snow is expected to intensify later this morning, easing by Wednesday morning.

Snow accumulations in the 20 to 25 cm range is anticipated in Merritt and Kelowna, with Westbank and Peachland possibly receiving as much as 35 cm by Wednesday morning.

A snowfall warning continues for the North Okanagan, including Vernon, the South Okanagan and Penticton, and the Siilkamameen.

A special weather statement issued for the South Thompson has ended. Earlier today, it was cancelled for the Shuswap as well, but not for long — you're getting more snow too.

The wintery conditions have already caused havoc on local roads and highways. Yesterday, a multi-vehicle incident closed the Coquihalla Highway for much of the day and an accident near Summerland closed Highway 97 earlier this morning. Travel advisories are in effect nearly everywhere. Check Drive B.C. for details. 


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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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