Winter storm approaching southern Interior expected to impact driving conditions on mountain highways
PENTICTON – A winter storm is heading toward the southwest Interior tonight, bringing with it very strong winds.
Environment Canada has issued special weather statements covering the South Thompson and the Okanagan. Forecasters say a "very intense cold front" this evening, Dec. 14, could produce south to southwest winds gusting between 70 or 80 km/h in the valley bottoms.
A special weather statement has also been issued for the Okanagan Connector from Kelowna to Merritt, and the Coquihalla Highway from Kamloops to Merritt where winds up to 90 km/h are expected.
Meanwhile, the weather office has issued a winter storm warning for the Coquihalla Highway from Merritt to Hope where along with the intense winds and cold, up to 15 centimetres of snow is also expected from the moist air in the Pacific cold front.
Motorists travelling on the adjacent highway passes are advised to be prepared for strong wind gusts, especially in wind prone areas, the statement says. The strong winds will give areas of blowing snow with poor visibility.
Forecasters say the threat of strong winds will diminish by Saturday morning.
For the very latest on weather warnings in the Interior go to Environment Canada's website here.
For the latest road conditions check out the Drive B.C. website here.
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