UPDATE: Winter set to wallop areas of the Southern Interior and the Coquihalla

Wintry weather is expected to ramp up Sunday, Jan. 12,  with a mix of freezing temperatures and intense snowfall.

Environment Canada is reporting that a low-pressure system will move across southern B.C. today spreading snow to mountain passes and the valley bottom. At the same time, the arctic front will arrive with strong gusty winds and dropping temperatures this afternoon.

"These two systems will combine to give a brief period of intense heavy snow and blowing snow," reads the alert.

Near Boston Bar, West Kelowna and Peachland, and Hope, 10 centimetres of snow is expected to fall within several hours this afternoon.

The South Thompson is also going to get heavy snowfall.

Over Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt, 15 cm of snow is expected to fall in several hours. The Connector will also get heavy snow.

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