RCMP ask drivers to stay off Highway 97 between Vernon and Kelowna

Jan 4, 2016 | 12:57 PM

VERNON — RCMP have issued a special advisory concerning the driving conditions on Highway 97 between Vernon and Kelowna.

Motorists are advised to only use that route if they absolutely have to, as there are extremely icy areas due to the new snow today.

There’s been several accidents including one involving an ambulance.

“We’re asking the public if they can minimize their driving between Vernon and Kelowna on Highway 97 due to the unusually treacherous conditions,” says RCMP Corporal Todd Bowden.

The advisory will be in effect until further notice.

Reports indicate parts of the route are like a sheet of ice.

One of the accidents had a vehicle go off the highway north of Dump Hil around 1 pm, causing injuries to at least one person.

There’s also been several crashes on Highway 97 north of Vernon, to Armstrong, including one around 1:30 at Meadowlark Road.

Emergency crews are scrambling to keep up with all the crashes.

Environment Canada is forecasting 2 centimetres of snow today, another 2-4 cm’s tonight, and 2-4 cm’s on Tuesday.