Coquihalla closed between Hope and Merritt; snowfall warning issued

MERRITT, B.C. — Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the Hope to Merritt section of the Coquihalla, which is currently closed in both directions.

The weather office says the snow is expected to be heavy at times Wednesday (March 25) evening, and it is asking people to prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating – possibly hazardous – travel conditions

“In the wake of a front, flurries at times heavy will continue tonight with total amounts near 15 cm expected by Thursday morning before easing,” the warning said. “Visibility will likely be reduced at times.”

The highway is closed in both directions and has been since just after 9:00 p.m. Northbound lanes between Merritt and Hope were first closed about 8:40 p.m., about 30 minutes after drivers heading towards Merritt were told to expect delays between the Portia exit and the Zopkios Brake Check.