iN TRAFFIC: Coquihalla has reopened between Hope and Merritt, snowfall warnings are in effect throughout B.C.
The Coquihalla has been cleared and reopened between Merritt and Hope after multiple vehicle incidents.
However, "Expect major delays due to congestion," DriveB.C. warns.
Highway 1 is down to single-lane alternating traffic between Sicamous and Salmon Arm due to a vehicle incident. Motorists can expect minor delays.
Snowfall warnings are also in effect through Environment Canada.
The TransCan – from Eagles Pass to Rogers Pass – will get up to 15 centimetres of snow today.
“Snow will ease this evening as the front pushes through,” the warning says. “The last region to see the abatement of heavy snow will be Williston and Pine Pass where snow will continue through tonight.”
Up to 15 cm is also expected on Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton, and also in the Fraser Valley.
Drivers in the Lower Mainland are being asked to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, as Environment Canada is warning snowfall may switch to freezing rain which could create adverse driving conditions.
“The ministry may proactively close highways in the interest of safety,” according to the warning. “Travellers should expect rapidly deteriorating conditions, consider changing travel plans and be prepared for closures on short notice.”
DriveB.C. is also advising motorists that Highway 1 has compact snow and slippery sections throughout the Interior; Highway 3 has slippery sections from Princeton to Osoyoos; Highway 5 has compact snow from the Coquihalla Summit to Kamloops; Highway 8 remains open only to local traffic; Highway 6 EW has compact snow from Vernon to Needles; Highway 97 has compact snow throughout the Okanagan; all of Highways 97A and 97B have compact snow; and Westside Road has blowing snow and compact snow.
Taking a look at weather, Kamloops, Vernon and Kelowna all have similar forecasts – the day will start at -18 Celsius and warm to -13 C throughout the day. Penticton’s temperature will rise from -14 C to -9 C. Snow and flurries are expected throughout the region.
At the ski hills, Big White Mountain Resort is reporting 2 cm of new snow and 28 centimetres over the past week. There has been 4 cm at Sun Peaks Ski Resort since yesterday and 6 cm over the past week; SilverStar Mountain Resort last got 7 cm on Dec. 23 and is expecting 5 cm today; and Apex Mountain Resort is reporting 5 cm of new snow and 19 cm over the past week.
Just two more sleeps until Christmas.
— Story updated at 9:55 a.m. with new information about the multi vehicle incident on the Coquihalla.
— Story updated at 10:30 a.m. after the Coquihalla was reopened after the multi vehicle incident.
— Story updated at 11:10 a.m. with info about Highway 1 being down to single-lane alternating traffic.
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