Snowfall warning issued for Coquihalla and Trans-Canada highways

Weather alerts have been issued for two major highway routes in the southern Interior.

Environment Canada has issued snowfall warnings for both the Coquihalla Highway (Hwy 5) and Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1).

It covers the stretch of Hwy 5 between Merritt and Hope and Hwy 1 in the areas of Eagle Pass and Rogers Pass.

“A moisture-laden Pacific frontal system will bring snow to parts of the southern BC Interior,” explains the alert.

The weather service says between 15-20 centimetres of snow is expected for each route, beginning later on today and carrying through the overnight period.

It also warns of “near-zero visibility in blowing snow in wind-prone areas.”

In addition to the two snowfall warnings, a special weather advisory has also been issued for the same stretch of Hwy 5 and Hwy 3 between Hope and Princeton for freezing rain.

“By this evening, the combination of warm air aloft and lingering cold surface air will result in freezing rain over the Similkameen and Nicola regions,” Environment Canada notes.

“The freezing rain will taper off or transition to rain by Wednesday morning as surface temperatures rise.”

Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving on BC Interior highways over the next 24 hours and advised that conditions in the mountains can change suddenly at this time of year.

You can keep up to date on the latest highway conditions and closures by visiting DriveBC.