More heavy snow expected for mountain passes

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – A special weather statement has been issued by Environment Canada as the forecast calls for heavy snow in the mountain passes heading to the Lower Mainland this weekend.

Meteorologists say the heavy snow overnight Saturday turned to a few flurries as the front moved eastward, but more snow is on the way.

A moist and unstable onshore flow will move over the Coquihalla summit and the Allison Pass Sunday night. Rain near the summits will change to snow Monday morning as the snow level drops to about 1,100 metres.

Periods of snow, at times heavy, are expected for the Coquihalla Highway from Merritt to Hope, and on Highway 3 from Princeton to Hope through the Allison Pass, according to the special weather statement.

The forecast is calling for 15 to 25 centimetres of snow overnight Sunday, with the highest amounts falling on the Coquihalla.

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

For the very latest highway conditions, check out the Drive B.C. website.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Howard Alexander at halexander@infonews.ca or call 250-491-0331. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.