Snowfall already creating traffic issues

Nov 2, 2017 | 5:36 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops is receiving its first significant snow event of the season. And it’s already causing problems on the mountain passes. There have been several crashes south of Merritt, at Comstock and Larson Hill, causing the southbound lanes to be closed. The road is expected to be closed at least until 9:00 AM, according to the Drive B.C. web site.  This information as of 7:00 AM.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the mountain passes and  for the South Thompson.

An Arctic front will move across the southwest Interior today, bringing snow, especially on the highway passes.

Kamloops, Salmon Arm, and the north Okanagan are expected to be affected.

10 to 15 centimetres of snow is expected to fall over the next day or so in Kamloops, and more in the higher levels and on the mountain passes. Roads are already becoming slushy with compact sections on the three phases of the Coquihalla, and that’s only expected to worsen as the day progresses. 

And air travel could be affected as well, with snowfall forecast in Calgary and what Environment Canada is terming a “wintery mix” of weather in Vancouver, some flights could be delayed. At this point, a slight delay for one of the early morning Air Canada flights, but only by a few minutes. Others are reported on time so far, but passengers should check the Kamloops airport web site or with their airlines to make sure everything is running on time.