Winter Storm Watch Issued for Southern Interior British Columbia Highways

Alert Details

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm watch for several major mountain passes in the British Columbia interior. The alert is currently in effect as a series of weather systems approach the region, bringing significant snow and high winds.

Affected Areas

The watch specifically covers the following high-elevation routes:

• Coquihalla Highway: From Hope to Merritt.
• Highway 3: From Hope to Princeton via Allison Pass.
• Okanagan Connector: From Merritt to Kelowna.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers are advised that roads and walkways may become difficult to navigate. Visibility may be suddenly reduced to near zero at times, and travel delays are possible. Drivers should monitor road conditions at DriveBC.ca before departing. To report severe weather, Environment Canada requests emails be sent to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or reports posted on X using the hashtag #BCStorm.

Expected Conditions

A combination of heavy snow and high winds is expected to create hazardous driving conditions.

• Snowfall: The Coquihalla Highway is forecast to receive 10 to 15 cm tonight, with an additional 20 to 30 cm expected Wednesday night. Highway 3 and the Okanagan Connector can expect accumulations of up to 10 cm.
• Winds: Strong wind gusts reaching up to 100 km/h are forecast for areas north of the Coquihalla Summit, the Okanagan Connector, and Highway 3.
• Visibility: Blowing snow is expected to result in near zero visibility, particularly as a sharp cold front passes through the area.

Timeline

• Tonight: Initial heavy convective flurries are expected for the Coquihalla Highway, tapering off early Wednesday morning.
• Wednesday Afternoon to Thursday: A low pressure system will bring a second, more intense round of heavy snow, blowing snow, and strong winds to all mentioned highways.
• Thursday Morning: Conditions are expected to improve, though gusty winds and scattered flurries will prevail throughout the morning.