The Canadian Forces Snowbirds fly over Kamloops, May 16, 2020.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Nathan Ritchie
May 17, 2020 - 7:17 AM
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds were intending to fly over the Okanagan this morning, but the weather has not be favourable.
The snowbirds were set to take off from Kamloops at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 17, according to the group’s Facebook page, and planned to fly over Merritt, Princeton, Penticton, Summerland, Peachland, Vernon, and Lake Country before landing in Kelowna at 11 a.m. However, the timing has now changed and they're heading to the West Coast instead.
"We know some areas are starting to clear up, however transit through some of the mountain passes have very low cloud cover which is unsafe for flying nine jets. We are going to (reposition) to Comox to start working our way west," according to the group's Twitter post.
A special weather statement is in effect this morning for the Okanagan, according to Environment Canada, predicting heavy rain today and tonight.
READ MORE: Heavy rain, thunderstorms predicted for the Okanagan
Yesterday, Kamloops and Shuswap residents gathered outside of their homes and along city streets to snap photos and videos of the snowbirds flying by.
READ MORE: Snowbirds flying over Shuswap, Kamloops today
The snowbirds are crossing the country to salute Canadians doing their part to fight the spread of COVID-19. This unique mission is being aptly dubbed Operation INSPIRATION, according to the Canadian Forces in a news release.
“The team will be practicing recommended hand-washing and wearing recommended personal protective equipment while travelling. Team members will also be minimizing any interactions with people outside of the team,” according to the release.
READ MORE Kamloops sisters launch photo contest fundraiser for B.C. Wildlife Park
Keep updated on their location by tuning into their Facebook and Twitter pages.
This story was updated at 10:30 a.m.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Lexie Bishop
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Paulette Lambert
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Amanda Browett
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Sue Madsen Harper
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