Storm warnings issued for 4 highways as powerful winter storm hits BC Interior

(UPDATE: March 11 at 5:38 am): Environment Canada has issued four highway weather alerts across the southern Interior as a powerful storm system is expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds and dangerous driving conditions beginning Wednesday afternoon.

The most severe warning covers the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt, where forecasters say up to 60 centimetres of snow could fall by Thursday morning. Strong southwest winds gusting to 100 km/h are also expected overnight, which could create blizzard-like conditions and near-zero visibility in blowing snow.

The heavy snow is forecast to intensify Wednesday afternoon as a low pressure system moves into the region, followed by a sharp cold front Wednesday night that will bring stronger winds and heavier snowfall.

Environment Canada says conditions may improve slightly Thursday morning, though flurries and gusty winds are expected to continue.

<who> Photo credit: DriveBC </who> The Coquihalla early today.

Winter storm warnings have also been issued for Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton via Allison Pass and the Okanagan Connector between Merritt and Kelowna. Those routes could see around 10 cm of snow on the Connector and up to 25 cm along Highway 3, along with strong winds and blowing snow that may reduce visibility to near zero.

Meanwhile, a snowfall warning is in place for the Trans-Canada Highway between Eagle Pass and Rogers Pass, where 15 to 25 cm of snow is expected by Thursday morning along with wind gusts up to 60 km/h.

Environment Canada says travel across southern Interior mountain passes may become hazardous as conditions deteriorate quickly Wednesday evening and overnight. Motorists are urged to check DriveBC for the latest road conditions and ensure vehicles are equipped with winter tires or chains before travelling.

(Original story: March 10 at 12 pm): Environment Canada has issued winter storm warnings for a trio of BC Interior highways.

The Coquihalla (Hwy 5), Okanagan Connector (Hwy 97C) and Hope-Princeton (Hwy 3) are all included in the alerts.

The weather agency says all three routes will be hit by “heavy snow, blowing snow and strong wind gusts” on Wednesday night.

Hwy 5 will be the hardest hit, according to the alert, as 10-15 cm of snow is expected tonight before another 20-30 falls 24 hours later. Hwy 97C and Hwy 3 are looking at up to 10 cm of snow on Wednesday night.

All three routes will be slammed by strong wind gusts on Wednesday night, with Environment Canada predicting gales up to 100 km/h to produce “near-zero visibility in blowing snow.”

Meteorologists say an upper low will be responsible for the snow on Hwy 5 tonight, with Wednesday’s weather courtesy of a low pressure system crossing BC’s southwest Interior.

The blast of wintry weather is expected to last overnight before conditions improve Thursday morning.