UPDATE: Travel not recommended today on Coquihalla Highway, Okanagan Connector

If you're heading to the coast today, you might want to avoid the Coquihalla or expect delays.

While Highway 5 from Merritt to Hope has reopened following a multi-vehicle incident and spun-out trucks today, Oct. 23, driving the route will be a challenge with the heavy snowfall.

The Coquihalla Highway from west Kamloops to Merritt was also closed early this morning as well, as was the Okanagan Connector from West Kelowna to Merritt, but those routes reopened at about 11 a.m.

Travel advisories have been issued for both Highway 5 and Highway 97C due to limited visibility in the heavy snow. Drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution or find a different route.

READ MORE: Early blast of winter in Okanagan, Kamloops

The early season snowfall is widespread across the region this morning and an updated snowfall advisory is calling for 15 to 30 cm of snow by this evening on Highway 5 and 97C. Visibility may be suddenly reduced in heavy snow. Tonight, drifting snow will be a problem thanks to gusty northwest winds that are expected to develop.

Meanwhile, Highway 3 has been closed in Osoyoos for a vehicle crash with no detour available. Drive B.C. says as assessment is in progress but doesn't provided an estimated time of reopening.

The snow is expected to accumulate all day from the valley bottoms to the mountain passes.

For the latest on road conditions go to Drive B.C.'s website here.

For the latest snowfall warnings check out the Environment Canada website here.

— This story was updated at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 with new information from Drive B.C.

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