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Extreme cold warnings have been issued for three highways in British Columbia.
Environment Canada said “dangerous” windchills of up to -35ºC are possible along the Okanagan Connector, Coquihalla and parts of Hwy 1.
For the Coquihalla, the warning is in place from Hope to Kamloops, while for Hwy 1 the warning applies between Rogers Pass and Eagle Pass.
The warnings for the Coquihalla and Connector predict the cold temperatures will last from this evening till Friday morning, while on Hwy 1 it’s expected to last from this evening till Saturday morning.
“An extremely cold Arctic ridge is building over BC and pushing south,” Environment Canada said.
“Temperatures between minus 25 to minus 30 in combination with winds of 30 gusting to 50 km/h will create dangerous windchill values near minus 35 beginning Thursday evening.”
It added: “Travellers may also experience episodes of blowing snow that reduce visibility.”
The forecaster urged travellers to bring emergency supplies, including blankets and jumper cables, with them on their journeys.
“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” it said.