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(UPDATE: March 30 @ 12:05 pm) - Environment Canada has extended a snowfall warning that was originally issued for the Coquihalla Highway on Friday.
Heavy snow is expected throughout the day and it's predicted that there could be around 25 centimetres accumulated by this evening.
Environment Canada also warns about visibility being reduced in heavy snow.
Alerts for Hwy 1, Hwy 3 and Hwy 97C have all been lifted since Friday.
(Original story: March 27 @ 5:20 pm) - It’s a good thing that many are self-isolating and not travelling at the moment, because BC Interior highways will be treacherous this weekend.
The worst of the bunch will be the Coquihalla Highway (Hwy 5), which is expect to see between 30-40 centimetres of snow over the next 48 hours.
Driving the mountain passes this weekend? Expect SNOW:
— ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) March 27, 2020
-30 to 40 cm for the #Coquihalla
-15 to 25 cm for #RogersPass, Okanagan Connector and
Kootenay Pass #BCHwy3
Alerts: https://t.co/fenu0qSrDx
Highway forecasts: https://t.co/0t8xpKKsFG#BCstorm #DriveBC
“An unseasonably cool spring storm will deliver significant snow to the high mountain passes of southern BC beginning this evening,” said an Environment Canada alert.
“Snow will continue through the day on Saturday as the system pushes across British Columbia. In the wake of the system on Sunday, intense bursts of flurries will add further accumulations.”
The alert added that gusty winds will reduce visibility in blowing snow, particularly on Sunday.
While the Coquihalla will be hit the hardest, other stretches of highway are also expected to see significant snowfall this weekend.
Allison Pass (Hwy 3), the Okanagan Connector (Hwy 97C), Rogers Pass (Hwy 1) and Kootenay Pass (Hwy 3) should all see between 15-25 cm of snow by Sunday night.
“Motorists are encouraged to consider delaying travel plans until early next week when the snow will ease in the mountains,” said the alert.
“Drivers should be prepared for winter driving conditions and are reminded that winter tires are mandatory until April 30.”
All the most up to date road conditions and highway closures will be available on Drive BC.
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