Environment Canada: Snow, wind, and cold in store for Kamloopsians this weekend

Feb 16, 2018 | 9:55 AM

KAMLOOPS — A miserable weekend of weather awaits Kamloopsians and highway commuters.

Environment Canada meteorologist Lisa West says it’s all thanks to a strong low pressure system that’s going to slide down the coast and then move across western Washington pushing a band of snow through the Kamloops area starting early Saturday morning.

“It’ll be snowing throughout the day on Saturday before easing off late Saturday night,” she says. “And the total amount the Kamloops region can expect is about 10 to 15 centimetres.”

Along with the snow, West says Kamloops can expect westerly winds of 30 gusting to 50 kilometres per hour by Saturday afternoon.

“So, you might get some local blowing snow and folks travelling can expect not only snow but even greater reduced visibility due to the blowing snow.”

Speaking of travellers, she says 15 to 20 centimetres of snow is expected to fall on the southern sections of the Coquihalla Highway Saturday and adds those thinking of escaping the snowfall by taking the Fraser Canyon should think again where 10 to 15 centimetres of the white stuff is forecast for the Lillooet area and 15 to 20 near Lytton.

West says an Arctic front will also bring chillier temperatures with overnight lows of -7 expected for Saturday and -11 for Sunday.

In light of the forecast, West strongly encourages people to stay tuned to their local forecast.

“It’s a key weekend to check and if you must travel carry an emergency kit and warm blankets in your vehicle.”