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UPDATE: Snow to batter Coquihalla summit

The Coquihalla Snowshed Protocol is set to go into effect again as 20-30 cm is expected

UPDATE: Nov. 14

For the second day in a row heavy snowfall is expected on the Coquihalla Highway, with up to 30 centimetres predicted in the next 24 hours.

Environment Canada reports that a low-pressure system sitting off the west coast is sending moisture into the Southern Interior.

“We do have some snow forecast for the Coquihalla and the Okanagan Connector,” explained operational meteorologist Lisa West.

“Right now freezing levels are looking to stay at the 1100-1200 metre range which puts the snow really just at the Coquihalla summit and the Okanagan Connector.”

West says periods of snow on the highways will begin today at noon.

“We’re looking at about 5-10 centimetres for this afternoon and then another 10 tonight,” says West.

“The snow will continue in to Wednesday morning, so possibly another 10 for Wednesday morning. For a total of about 20-30 in the next 24 hours here.”

Motorists are being advised to keep up to date with road conditions and ensure their car is winter ready.

“Be prepared to adjust your driving for the weather,” adds West.

For more information on driving in winter conditions, click here.

For up to date details on highway conditions and road closures check DriveBC.

You can also monitor Environment Canada for alerts, warnings and updated forecasts.

Send your best news tips, photos and video by hovering over the Home tab and clicking Contact Us.

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ORIGINAL: Nov. 13

Those needing to get to and from the coast to the interior may want to hit the road soon as up to 15 centimetres of snow is expected on the Coquihalla today, and again tomorrow.

Coquihalla maintenance contractor VSA Highway Maintenance states the Coquihalla Snowshed Protocol will go in to effect today at 5 p.m.

The Coquihalla Snowshed Protocol is the ‘go to plan’ when the ‘snow hits the fan’.

“It comes into effect when more than 15-20 cm of snowfall over a 12 hour period (or freezing rain conditions) are predicted for the Snowshed corridor and its sole purpose is to make sure we can maintain safe and uninterrupted travel through the corridor during heavy snowfall or other challenging weather event,” writes the Ministry of Transportation.

Environment Canada meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau says they are anticipating five centimetres of snow today, followed by 10-15 cm this evening and an additional 10-15 cm on Tuesday.

“We are looking at a fair amount over the next couple of days,” said Charbonneau. “Not usual for this time of year and just below the warning threshold, but a fair amount of accumulation over several days in a row.”

She said the heaviest hit area will be the Coquihalla stretch between Hope and Merritt. Highway 5 from Merritt to Kamloops and the Okanagan Connector from Merritt to West Kelowna are not expected to see much snow.

As or the Okanagan Valley, Charbonneau said rain showers and periods of heavy wind are expected until Wednesday.

By Wednesday evening, temperatures will dip low enough to bring on a chance of flurries throughout the region.

Today and tomorrow residents can expect strong winds of 20-40 km/h, with gusting winds from 50-70 km/h, especially in the West Kelowna and Peachland areas.

For more information on driving in winter conditions, click here.

For up to date details on highway conditions and road closures check DriveBC.

You can also monitor Environment Canada for alerts, warnings and updated forecasts.

Send your best news tips, photos and video by hovering over the Home tab and clicking Contact Us.


@carmenweld
carmen.weld@bpdigital.ca

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