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By Victor Kaisar

Weather Warnings

Environment Canada expands rainfall, wind warnings to include Merritt area

Nov 1, 2025 | 8:21 AM

MERRITT — Environment Canada has issued several weather alerts in the Merritt area, including on the entire Coquihalla Highway.

The weather agency has issued a wind warning for both sections of the Coquihalla from Kamloops to Merritt and from Merritt to Hope, as it warns of wind gusts that could exceed 90 km/h Saturday (Nov. 1) afternoon.

Similar wind warnings are also in effect for the Okanagan Connector from Merritt to Kelowna and in the Nicola area, which includes the City of Merritt, as well as in the Similkameen and on Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton via the Allison Pass.

“A strong low pressure system is set to pass through Southern BC this afternoon. As the system passes, southwest winds are expected to pick up with gusts ranging from 80-90 km/h, with a possibility of slightly stronger gusts,” the weather alert said.

“The system will be fast moving and as such winds should taper off by the evening period.”

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In addition to warning of local utility outages, Environment Canada also warned that high-sided vehicles – like semis and buses – will be pushed around by the wind.

“Prepare for possible disruptions to transportation, services, and utilities,” the alert added.

A rainfall warning is also in effect for the Hope to Merritt section of the Coquihalla and on Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton with up to 50 mm of rain expected until later this afternoon before easing off.

Additional rainfall warnings are also in effect across the Fraser Valley and in Metro Vancouver

“A second frontal system is moving across the south coast and is giving rain that will continue through this afternoon,” the rainfall warning added. “Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.”

“Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas such as steep slopes, deforested areas or recent burn scars.”

You can find the latest weather alerts from Environment Canada here and the latest road conditions from DriveBC here.