Late spring snowfall creates highway havoc

Apr 2, 2018 | 5:03 AM

KAMLOOPS —  The surprising late spring snowfall yesterday caused some treacherous driving conditions on area highways last night.

Most highways are better this morning, but there are still lots of slippery areas as the residual effects of the snow are making itself felt.

It’s still snowing on the Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt, and in some areas, there’s still a fair bit of snow on the road.

Up the North Thompson, things were particularly bad last night. The Barriere Star Journal reported numerous accidents on Highway 5 north, with truckers calling for extra plows because of the heavy, quick buildup of snow.

First responders were telling motorists to stay home, and many did, but there were reports of multiple vehicles off the road, semis spun out and truckers chaining up to make their way through the snow.

Four to six inches of packed snow, slush and ice on the highway created treacherous driving conditions.

Kamloops Fire and Rescue said things were relatively quiet in Kamloops, but there were some accidents, and crews had to attend an accident about 4:00 AM on the West Trans Canada highway just before the Aberdeen turnoff.

There were reports of injuries, but apparently nothing too serious.