A mountainside is covered with snow along the Coquihalla Highway south of Merritt, B.C., on November 22, 2021. A portion of the highway was closed on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, due to heavy snow that created dangerous driving conditions. (FILE PHOTO) THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

By The Canadian Press

Old Man Winter wallops B.C.’s Mainland/Southwest region, major highway closed

Mar 26, 2026 | 12:00 AM

Old Man Winter is doling out a spring wallop to parts of southwestern B-C.

Heavy snowfall has triggered a temporary shutdown of the Coquihalla Highway this morning, between Hope and Merritt.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning, forecasting roughly 15 cm of snow in the region, with reduced visibility possible at times.

The weather agency notes that the situation in the mountains can change suddenly, resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

As of 10:45  p.m. Wednesday, DriveBC was reporting several traffic incidents due to the weather.

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Conditions in the area are not expected to improve until later Thursday morning.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 26, 2026.

The Canadian Press