Up to 40 mm of rain predicted for Okanagan, snow on Highway 3

Environment Canada is warning of prolonged rainfall in the Shuswap, North Okanagan and Central Okanagan this week as well as snowfall along Highway 3.

The rainfall warning was issued June 12 for YoHo Park – Kootenay Park, East Columbia, West Columbia, Shuswap and the North and Central Okanagan from Monday through to Tuesday.

"A low pressure centre over Montana will slow as it enters southern Alberta tonight and remain in the area through Monday and Tuesday," according to the weather statement.

"Moisture rotating around the low will give the potential of prolonged rainfall that will begin Monday morning and continue through Tuesday with total rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm likely."

A snowfall warning was also issued this afternoon along Highway 3 from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass.

"A slow-moving low pressure system will give prolonged rain to the Kootenays starting tonight. As rain becomes heavier on Monday, snow levels will drop to around 1,500 metres resulting in wet snow over higher elevations of Highway 3, (from) Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass."

Snow is expected to start on Monday night for Kootenay Pass and will persist through early Tuesday morning. Total snow accumulations near 15 cm can be expected before the snow changes to rain on Tuesday, according to Environment Canada.

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

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