Winter storm warning for Coquihalla Highway

Dec 18, 2018 | 7:47 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — A winter storm warning is in effect for the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt.

A moist Pacific frontal system will move inland early this morning, Environment Canada says, and a strong southwest flow will send waves of moisture across the Coast Mountains over the next day-and-a-half.

Roughly 17 centimetres of snow fell near the Coquihalla summit last night (Dec. 17), and the snow is expected to ease later this morning, but will intensify near the middle of the day as the next wave approaches.

Additional snowfall amounts of 15 to 20 centimetres are forecast by late this afternoon.

Periods of heavvy snow will continue tonight and further amounts are likely to exceed 15 centimetres bringing total storm accumulationgs into the 40 to 50 centimetre range before snow eases off on Wednesday.

Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult, Environment Canada says, and drivers should be prepared for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.

The warning is also in effect for Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton via Allison Pass, and a rainfall warning is in effect for the eastern Fraser Valley including Hope.