iN TRAFFIC: Another snowfall warning in the southern Interior today
After a snowy night, there are some hazards for motorists to mind in the Interior today.
Snowfall warnings were in effect yesterday, Nov 29, with up to 35 centimetres in the forecast.
Another snowfall warning is in effect for Highway 3 from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass, according to Environment Canada.
“A low pressure system crossing the Southern Interior is giving snow to the Kootenays,” reads the warning. “Snowfall amounts near 15 cm today and a further 5 to 10 cm tonight are expected.”
On Highway 1, 8 km east of Sicamous, a jackknifed semi is blocking eastbound traffic and the road is down to single-lane alternating, according to Drive B.C.
For drivers counting on the Coquihalla, the road is has closed in both directions near Barriere due to a multi-vehicle incident. The same area was impacted by a vehicle incident this morning.
Highway 97A, six km north of Enderby, is open to traffic again after a vehicle incident.
Other issues on the roads this morning involve several slippery sections. Areas include Highway 3 between Princeton and Osoyoos; Highway 5 from Helmer Road and West Kamloops and from Coquihalla Lakes Road to Coldwater Road; and Highway 97C between Merritt and Ashcroft, as well as from Highland Valley Copper Mine to the end of Highway 97C.
The issue of limited visibility can be expected on the Trans-Canada Highway from Blue Lake Road to Colvin Road; on Highway 8 from the start of Highway 8 to Dot Ranch Cut-Off Road West; and on Highway 12 from the start of the highway to Kirbys Flat Road in Lytton; Highway 97C between Merritt and Highland Valley Copper Mine; and Highway 97D from the start to the end.
Anita Reles, who commutes on Highway 97 from Summerland to Penticton, said the roads were decent.
"Probably depends on your comfort level and vehicle," she said. "I had zero issues, had decent traction and the traffic averaged about 80 to 90 km/h and held steady. The highway had compact snow on left lane, and bare tracks most of the way except the odd spot in right lane, seems to have been somewhat sanded."
However, within the City of Penticton, roads were much more slippery, Reles reported.
Charles Andrews is a commuter who travelled from Armstrong to Sicamous via Highway 97A this morning. He said it snowed the entire way.
From Armstrong to Enderby there was some bare parts,” according to Andrews. "From Enderby to Sicamous, compact snow and ice slippery sections throughout the drive. Well sanded corners along Mara Lake.”
For weather, Kamloops can expect some light snow early in the day – the high of -2 Celsius has already been reached and temperatures will drop down to -11 C by midnight. Vernon and Kelowna will both have periods of snow until 10 or 11 a.m. and then a chance of flurries later tonight – the day will start at -6 C, warm up to -4 C in Vernon and -3 C in Kelowna, and then dip down to -9 C in both cities. Penticton is in for light snow and flurries all day, the temperature will drop from -1 C to -4 C throughout the day.
Anybody heading out to go skiing or boarding today will be happy to know 24 cm of new snow was reported at Big White Ski Resort, and 22 cm of new snow at Sun Peaks Ski Resort.
— Story updated at 7:40 a.m. with new information from DriveB.C., AIM Roads and accounts of local drivers.
— Story updated at 10:20 a.m. after Highway 5 near Barrier reopened to traffic.
— Story updated at 11:05 a.m. after Highway 97A near Enderby reopened to traffic.
— Story updated at 11:50 a.m. with new information about a vehicle incident on Highway 1.
— Story updated at 2:51 a.m. after Highway 5 near Barrier closed again.
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