A snowplow operates on a provincial highway in this undated B.C. government photo.
Image Credit: Government of B.C.
November 27, 2021 - 8:38 AM
Heavy rain has the potential to impact already vulnerable landscapes and infrastructure along Highway 5 and Highway 3 today.
Environment Canada expects to see between 40 to 60 mm of rainfall this afternoon, Nov. 27 to Sunday night on the Coquihalla from Hope to Merritt and on Highway 3 from Hope to Manning Park.
"Another front will approach the south coast today. Rain will begin this afternoon and become heavy tonight. Total rainfall amounts near 40 to 60 mm are expected over western and upslope sections of the highways. Areas east of the Coquihalla Summit are expected to receive lesser amounts," according to a statement issued by Environment Canada.
The province will temporarily close all routes connecting the Lower Mainland to the Interior this afternoon as a precaution.
Those closures will be between Hope and Princeton on Highway 3, and Pemberton and Lillooet on Highway 99, shuttering the two routes that were the quickest to reopen after flooding and mudslides shook the province earlier this month. Highway 3 was closed for most of the day yesterday due to several vehicle accidents, but reopened last night.
Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon will be closed "as a precaution," but the exact time and duration of the closure depends on weather conditions, according to the release.
READ MORE: The latest on flooding, recovery in B.C. on Nov. 26
"Strong warming will accompany this system causing freezing levels to rise well above the mountain tops this afternoon and Sunday. Snowmelt will contribute to runoff, increasing the risk of flooding and possibly impacting vulnerable landscapes and infrastructure," according to the weather statement.
A storm warning is also in effect from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Hazardous winter conditions are expected, according to Environment Canada, with heavy snow turning to rain tonight.
A total of 25 cm of snow is expected from this morning to near midnight tonight. Highway 1 may also see 20 to 30 mm of rain overnight.
"Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow," according to Environment Canada. The weather agency recommends postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
Road conditions are available at DriveB.C.
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