Heavy snowfall expected on Interior highways tonight

The Trans-Canada Highway, Coquihalla, Okanagan Connector, Highway 3 and Yellowhead Highway will see heavy amounts of snow tonight.

Environment Canada has continued its snowfall warnings for highways across the Interior, Nov. 13.

Highway 1, between Eagles Pass and Rogers Pass, could see up to 30 centimetres of snow tonight and Sunday, Nov. 14 as part of a winter storm. The snow is expected to turn to rain later tomorrow.

The Coquihalla from Hope to Merritt is expected to get 15 cm of snow tonight and rain on Sunday. Highway 97C, the Okanagan Connector, will also see up to 15 cm, according to an Environment Canada weather statement.

Highway 3, from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass, could see 25 cm of snow tonight and into Sunday before the snow changes to rain midday tomorrow.

“An intense Pacific frontal system moving across the B.C. Interior will give snow to most southern highway passes. Heavy snow from the system will start early this evening and will change to rain overnight or early Sunday morning as snow levels rise to above 2000 metres,” according to Environment Canada.

The Yellowhead and Yellowhead Highway, from Tete Jaune Cache to the Alberta Border, will see up to 10 cm of snow tonight and Sunday before the snow turns to rain.

“An intense Pacific frontal system moving across the B. C. Interior will give snow to most southern highway passes. Light snow from the system will become heavier later this evening and will persist into Sunday afternoon,” according to Environment Canada.

The government agency is warning drivers to be prepared for low visibility at times in heavy snow and for changing road conditions.

“If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance,” according to Environment Canada.

Rainfall warnings are also in effect for the Lower Mainland.

Road conditions are available online through Drive B.C.

To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

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