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By Victor Kaisar

Weather Statements

Special weather statements issued for southern Coquihalla corridor

Dec 16, 2024 | 5:22 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the Hope to Merritt section of the Coquihalla, with freezing rain in the forecast.

The special weather statement is also in effect for the Merritt area, with the weather agency warning of icy or slippery surfaces.

“A Pacific frontal system will bring warm, moist air to the southwestern BC interior Tuesday afternoon (Dec. 17),” Environment Canada said. “By Tuesday evening, the combination of warm air aloft and lingering cold surface air will result in freezing rain over the Similkameen and Nicola regions, including segments of Highway 3 — Hope to Princeton and the Coquihalla Highway — Hope to Merritt.

“The freezing rain will taper off or transition to rain by Wednesday morning as surface temperatures rise.”

People are being told watch for slippery highways, roads, walkways and parking lots. Environment Canada says ice accumulation may also lead to tree branches breaking and possible utility outages.

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A special weather statement is also in effect for parts of the North Thompson and the Shuswap — as well as the Trans-Canada Highway between Eagle and Rogers Pass — with between 10 and 25 centimetres of snow expected to fall by Wednesday afternoon.

“A moisture-laden Pacific frontal system will bring heavy snow to parts of the southern BC interior Tuesday night into Wednesday,” Environment Canada said. “In the North Thompson, Shuswap and West Columbia the snow will intensify Tuesday evening and persist until Wednesday afternoon before easing as the system departs.”

“There is still uncertainty regarding exact snowfall amounts and the timing of the snow-to-rain transition in each region. Snowfall warnings may be issued as the situation becomes clearer.”

You can find the latest weather alerts from Environment Canada here.