Drive for conditions: Coquihalla, other highways to get pummeled by snow
Posted December 18, 2018 7:14 am.
Last Updated December 18, 2018 7:17 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
MERRITT (NEWS 1130) – If you’re heading for the Interior over the next few days, brace yourself for winter driving conditions.
A winter storm warning is in effect for some of the major out-of-town highways, including the Coquihalla stretch between Hope and Merritt. Meantime, a snowfall warning has been issued for Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton via the Allison Pass.
NEWS 1130 Meteorologist Russ Lacate says the routes are expected to be hammered by the snow.
“Conditions have cooled off enough at higher elevations, and remain that way such that the down pours over the Lower Mainland will transition to heavy snowsqualls across the mountain passes of the B.C. southern interior,” he explains. “The Coquihalla, in particular, could collect 30 to 50 centimetres of new snow between now and day’s end Wednesday.”
The rapidly accumulating snow is expected to make travel difficult, and you’re being reminded to be prepared for quickly changing conditions if you are planning on a drive through these regions.
You’re also reminded to have the proper tires and equipment before heading out.
“It may end up coming in pulses instead of one continuous winter storm, but all the same, the threat for excessive snowfall across the B.C. southern interior passes will be elevated over the next 36 hours or so,” Lacate adds.
