Highway 97C (Okanagan Connector), about 74 kilometres west of Kelowna, looking east. (Image Credit: DriveBC)

By Aaron Schulze

Challenging Driving Conditions

Winter storm warning in effect for Okanagan Connector and Highway 3

Mar 11, 2026 | 8:09 AM

UPDATE (12:00 p.m.): A wind warning is also in effect for the Fraser Canyon and Nicola regions, along with the Coquihalla Highway from Kamloops to Merritt. Environment Canada is forecasting wind gusts of up to 90 km/h.

EARLIER: MERRITT, B.C. — Two more mountain highways in the southern Interior are under a winter storm warning. 

In addition to the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt, Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning for the Okanagan Connector from Merritt to Kelowna and Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton from Wednesday (March 11) night until Thursday (March 12). 

Nearly 10 centimetres of snow is expected for the Connector during that time, while up to 25 centimetres is expected for Highway 3. Additionally, wind gusts of up to 100 km/h are expected, which will result in blowing snow. 

The weather agency warns that driving conditions on the highways will be challenging due to heavy snowfall and strong wind gusts, while visibility can be suddenly reduced amid blowing snow. 

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Further east, a snowfall warning is in effect for the Trans Canada Highway from Sicamous to Golden between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Environment Canada says a long period of snowfall will result in up to 25 centimetres of snow. The snowfall will be accompanied by wind gusts of up to 60 km/h. 

“Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Allow extra time for travel,” Environment Canada states. 

While conditions on all mentioned highways are expected to improve by Thursday morning, the weather agency says gusty winds and flurries will persist.