Blast of winter weather means tough conditions for holiday travellers

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – If you were planning on heading out for the holidays either by car or plane, you might have to think again.

We’re into one of the busiest travel periods of the year and conditions on some major B.C. Highways are very poor.

A travel advisory is now in place for the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt because of blowing snow. Up to 60 centimeters could fall over some sections Saturday, adding to already record-setting accumulations.

Highway 3 was closed in both directions because of an accident between the Allison Pass Summit and Manning Park Resort, but has since opened late Saturday morning.

As for the border, early Saturday morning long lineups had already formed at the Peach Arch and Pacific Highway crossings.

And if you’re trying to travel by air, expect crowds.

Hundreds of thousands of people are coming and going at YVR this weekend.

The airport says its busiest days will see 90,000 travellers pass through.

Isabella Beane, with Maritime Travel, says not all travellers are heading to see loved ones.

“It’s a lot of people that just go away to resorts. Mexico, any of the sun destinations are very popular during Christmas time,” Beane tells NEWS 1130.

People taking flights should remember the usual restrictions apply for liquids on carry-ons.

And travellers shouldn’t pack wrapped gifts because security personnel will want to see them.

Beane is also advising travellers to check their flights ahead of time.

“There may be weather delays elsewhere … so just pack your patience.”

In Seattle, NEWS 1130’s very own Peter Wagner says the crowds are just as crazy, and the messages are pretty similar. Line ups are moving, but they are very long.

“So if you’re thinking about getting that coffee before your flight, those lines are going to be big too,” Wagner says.

He adds everybody will be waiting, so be patient and give yourself some extra time to catch your flight.

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