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Winter hits Southern Interior highways and Okanagan-Shuswap

There is a snowfall warning in effect for all parts of the Okanagan and Shuswap
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Whether you’re staying home or travelling, brace for winter — it’s on its way.

Heavy snow will fall across southern interior highway passes today due to the combination of moisture from a coastal low and the passage of an arctic front. Total snowfall accumulations of 20 to 30 cm are expected before the snow tapers off tonight, according to an Environment Canada weather alert.

“Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow,” reads the report.

“Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays.”

In the lower parts of the valley conditions are also dicey amd Okanagan-Shuswap residents are being reminded to brace for winter with snowfall total amounts of 10 to 20 centimetres is expected.

Related: Coquihalla closed in two spots

“A significant snowfall is forecast across the Southern Interior today due to the presence of a low pressure system over the south coast and the passage of an arctic front. The snow will be wet or mixed with rain in some valleys before turning to all snow later today,” states Environment Canada.

“Total snowfall amounts will range from 10 to 15 centimetres in the valley bottoms to 20 centimetres or more over higher terrain. The snow will ease to a few flurries by midnight tonight over the southwest interior and by Friday morning in the Kootenays. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas.”

Motorists are being asked to leave extra time, drive slow and expect delays.

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.

Check out what is happening at Big White Ski Resort.

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(Wikimedia Commons photo)
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