Environment Canada warning of 70 km/hr winds for Interior highways, cities

Environment Canada is warning Interior residents of winds that could reach 70 km/hr tomorrow, causing power outages and damage.

The special weather alert was issued this afternoon, Oct. 9, for Interior highways including the Trans Canada Highway from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass, the Coquihalla, from Hope to Kamloops, along Highway 3, from Hope to Princeton via Allison Pass and on Highway 3 from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass.

The warning also stretches beyond the Interior for most of the province. An alert is in effect for all Interior cities as well.

"Ahead of the cold front, moderate southwest winds with possible gusts up to 60 km/h are expected Monday morning. As the cold front passes, winds will shift to west or northwest near midday for the central interior and Monday afternoon for the Columbias. These northwest winds will be accompanied with stronger wind gusts up to 70 km/h. The strong winds will abate Monday night," according to the weather statement.

These winds may toss loose objects and cause drought-weakened tree branches to snap.

"These may give rise to injuries, damage, or power outages," according to Environment Canada.

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